Severe Weather
Every effort will be made to keep the School open and operating normally while severe or extreme weather conditions prevail unless, in the view of Headmaster, the Deputy Headmaster and the Estates Manager, the safety of staff and pupils would be compromised by the prevailing or likely conditions, either in school or when travelling to and from school.
Such conditions may include:
- Heavy snowfall
- High winds
- Electrical storms and heavy rainfall leading to flooding
- Heatwaves
Some of these conditions (eg high winds) will lead to instructions being issued for pupils and staff to avoid potential hazards such as trees around the School site. During excessive rain, pupils may be told to remain inside the building at the Deputy Headmaster's discretion and staff/prefects will assist in ensuring this is adhered to.
In the event that a decision is made to close the School, a message will appear on the School's website to that effect. If no message appears, it should be assumed that the School is open as normal. Extra administrative staff will be deployed to answer incoming phone enquiries and grounds/estates staff will be deployed to ensure vehicles and pedestrians are visible and safe.
Heads of School and Years will be contacted by phone, by the Deputy Headmaster, and through them form tutors will be given confirmation that the School is closing. This will be passed to the pupils in that form according to the ‘snow line' system which tutors will have set up at the start of the year.
In the event of poor weather conditions which do not lead to the immediate closure of the School, the Deputy Headmaster and the Estates Manager will assess conditions and issue instructions which may lead to pupils being required to remain indoors during break and lunch. In addition, pupils may be allowed to leave earlier when such conditions (eg heavy snowfall) prevail but boys in the Third Year and below will only be allowed to do so if they have made phone contact with a parent. Facilities will be made available for those who need to do this.
Additionally, during summer months, Form Tutors, Heads of School and Years, Nursing and Games staff will issue regular, appropriate reminders to pupils of the need for effective UV protection and frequent rehydration when staying in direct sunlight for prolonged periods such as at lunchtimes or during cricket/athletics practices and matches. Staff will take all reasonable precautions and exercise professional judgement in terms of not allowing pupils to remain exposed to direct sunlight for an undue amount of time.
Updated: June 2010
