Private schools offer 41% more tree shade than state schools in England

Analysis reveals stark socioeconomic divide, with schools with highest free school meal eligibility having fewer trees

Private school grounds in England offer 41% more tree cover than state schools for cooling and shade in extreme temperatures, research has found.

As teachers and students prepare to take their summer holidays after weeks of high temperatures where some classrooms reached highs of 40C, an analysis of tree cover in schools in England reveals a stark socioeconomic divide.