At Bishop’s Cleeve Academy Primary in Gloucestershire, children are being asked to wear extra layers to school as the aging heating system operates at only 50 percent capacity and is due for replacement. The primary school recently informed parents via letter that with the onset of colder weather, the limited heating output means some classrooms may feel uncomfortably chilly.
To compensate, portable heaters have been deployed across the school, with some generously donated by parents. Despite these efforts, concerns persist among local officials and families about children’s comfort and safety as temperatures drop.
Efforts to secure the estimated £1 million needed for a full heating system replacement have so far been unsuccessful. The school has applied to the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) annually for the past three years without success. Meanwhile, £71,000 has been spent on essential repairs to maintain the current system.
Reform UK County Councillor Leigh Challis has called for greater transparency from the school regarding classroom temperatures to alleviate parental concerns. “Clear information on whether children still need extra layers will help restore confidence,” Challis said.
Linda Cohen, Gloucestershire’s Education and Skills Cabinet Member, acknowledged the situation and reassured that the council is offering support within its limited authority. She confirmed the Gloucestershire Learning Alliance Trust (GLA), which manages the school, has assessed temperatures and installed additional electric heaters in the coldest areas.
Hannah Dell, GLA Trust’s Chief Finance and Operations Officer, also highlighted ongoing attempts to secure government funding for replacing the boiler and heating system. “We have invested substantially in repairs and portable heaters to mitigate the impact of the ageing infrastructure. We remain hopeful our latest CIF application will be successful,” Dell added.
The Department for Education (DfE) has emphasized its long-term commitment to school improvements, providing nearly £3 billion annually by 2034-35 for school maintenance and renewal—a significant increase from current funding. Schools like Bishop’s Cleeve Primary can also apply for urgent capital support if critical issues threaten their operations.
A DfE spokesperson stated, “Every child deserves a warm, safe classroom. Our £38 billion education capital investment plan includes the Condition Improvement Fund to help schools address critical infrastructure needs. Bishop’s Cleeve Primary’s next application deadline for CIF funding is December 16 for the 2026-27 financial year.”
As the school community awaits funding decisions, pupils continue to layer up, with parents and staff doing their best to keep everyone comfortable during the colder months.