Dear Parents, Carers and Members of our School Communities,

Temporary School Closure – Wednesday 24 June and Thursday 25 June

Following extensive discussions between Carmarthenshire secondary headteachers and in consultation with the latest advice issued by the Met Office, we have taken the difficult decision to close our schools to pupils on Wednesday 24 June and Thursday 25 June due to the exceptional weather conditions associated with the Red Extreme Heat Warning.

We recognise that closing schools causes inconvenience for families and such a decision is never taken lightly. However, our foremost responsibility is to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff.

The Met Office has issued its highest level of weather warning, indicating that dangerous weather is expected with a risk to life, even for healthy individuals. Forecast temperatures are expected to exceed 35°C across parts of Wales, with exceptionally high humidity creating conditions that significantly increase the risk of heat-related illness. Overnight temperatures are also forecast to remain above 20°C, meaning buildings will retain substantial heat and offer very limited opportunity to cool before the start of each school day.

Although every effort has been made to mitigate the impact of the heat—including increased ventilation, additional water breaks, shaded outdoor areas and amended activities—our school buildings were not designed to operate safely during periods of extreme heat.

Internal temperature monitoring today has shown a number of classrooms significantly exceeding recommended comfort levels, with some rooms becoming substantially hotter than the outside air due to solar gain, limited ventilation and retained heat. In these conditions, pupils and staff are required to spend prolonged periods in classrooms where temperatures continue to rise throughout the day, affecting both health and the ability to teach and learn effectively.

As employers, Governing Bodies and Local Authorities have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to assess workplace risks and take reasonably practicable steps to protect employees and those in their care. Whilst there is currently no statutory maximum working temperature for schools, the Health and Safety Executive is clear that employers must ensure indoor working environments remain reasonable and that risks associated with excessive heat are appropriately managed.

Pupils will be provided with learning activities remotely via their usual online platforms to minimise disruption to learning while schools are closed tomorrow and Thursday. Further information regarding these arrangements will be communicated directly by individual schools.

We appreciate that many parents and carers will have to make alternative childcare arrangements and sincerely apologise for the short notice. However, we are confident that this decision is both proportionate and necessary in light of the exceptional circumstances, and responds appropriately to the concerns that many of you, as parents and carers, have raised with us over the past two days.

Schools are expected to reopen as normal on Friday 26 June, subject to any further guidance or changes in the weather forecast.

Thank you for your continued understanding and support.

Yours faithfully,

Carmarthenshire Secondary Headteachers

2026

School Trips Information

We are delighted to be offering a range of exciting enrichment opportunities for pupils in Years 7–10 at the end of term. These trips have been carefully selected to provide enjoyable experiences, develop new skills, and create lasting memories with friends and staff.

To ensure that as many pupils as possible can access these opportunities and that places are allocated fairly, pupils may book a maximum of one trip per day. Please consider your choice carefully before making a booking. Please note that all trip payments are non-refundable, as the school is required to make advance payments and confirm numbers with external providers.

Bookings for the trips will open at 6pm on Monday 15^th June.

We look forward to celebrating a successful year with these exciting end-of-term experiences and thank you for your support in making them a positive and rewarding opportunity for all pupils.

School Prospectus 2025/26

School Prospectus

Information Updates

Pupil Achievement Stories

Welcome to QEHS

Welcome to Queen Elizabeth High School. We hope our website will give you a window into the dynamic life of our school community as well as providing you with key information.

Our facilities are exceptional. Our purpose built £28 million school offers the perfect mix between traditional and innovative learning spaces, creating a true 21st Century learning environment. We share leisure facilities with our neighbour, Carmarthen Leisure Centre.

Croeso i Ysgol Uwchradd Y Frenhines Elisabeth

Croeso i Ysgol Uwchradd Y Frenhines Elisabeth. Hyderwn y bydd ein gwefan yn cynnig cip ar fywyd deinamig ein hysgol, yn ogystal a chynnwys gwybodaeth allweddol ar eich cyfer.

Mae ein adnoddau'n penigamp. Adeiladwyd yr ysgol ar gost o £28 miliwn er mwyn cynnig y cymysgedd perffaith o gyfleoedd i ddysgu'n draddodiadol ac yn arloesol, gan greu awyrgylch dysgu priodol ar gyfer yr 21ain ganrif. Rydym yn rhannu adnoddau hamdden gyda Chanolfan Hamdden Caerfyrddin sy'n ffinio'r ysgol.