French teachers strike over 'unacceptable' heat in schools as exams proceed in 40C temperatures

Education unions in France have issued a joint call for teachers to strike over dangerous working conditions as the country experiences a severe heatwave, with classroom temperatures reaching up to 40C. Staff report having to work in intolerable heat while supervising students taking national examinations, raising serious concerns about health risks in school buildings described as 'heat-traps' that lack adequate cooling or ventilation systems. The unions denounced what they termed a 'blatant lack of preparation' by the government, stating that teachers are being forced to risk their own health and that of students by maintaining normal operations despite the extreme temperatures. The situation has exposed the vulnerability of ageing educational infrastructure to climate change, with traditional school buildings constructed from concrete and glass retaining heat to dangerous levels. Whilst this case concerns France, it underscores critical challenges facing education systems across Europe regarding climate adaptation and estate management. The pressure on schools to maintain standards and examinations during extreme weather events, balanced against duty of care responsibilities, presents difficult questions for local authorities everywhere about building resilience, contingency planning, and the urgent need to adapt school infrastructure for a changing climate.