HEALS: Heat, Health and Learning: Co-Designing Climate- Resilient Strategies for Primary Schools in Oxfordshire PhD

Anthropogenic climate change is projected to increase the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves across the United Kingdom, leading to hotter and drier summers that pose substantial risks to children’s health, wellbeing and learning. In Oxfordshire, these risks are already evident: an estimated 205,000 residents live in high heat-risk areas and around 130 schools are considered particularly vulnerable. This doctoral study will adopt a mixed-methods approach to investigate and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat on health, wellbeing and learning of primary school pupils and staff. In collaboration with schools and local councils, the project will assess overheating and indoor air quality risks in a representative sample of primary schools across Oxfordshire through continuous monitoring of indoor temperature, carbon dioxide and airborne pollutants. This will provide insights into how heat accumulates within classrooms and how it influences comfort, concentration and wellbeing.

IELTS Academic test certificate (or equivalent) with an overall minimum score of 6.0 and no score below 5.5 issued in the last 2 years by an approved test

September 2026

31 May 2026

• Headington, United Kingdom