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

Trees reduce latent heat by providing shade and can bring surface temperatures down by up to 12C-18C, compared with unshaded asphalt or concrete. Photograph: Jon Challicom/Getty View image in fullscreen Trees reduce latent heat by providing shade and can bring surface temperatures down by up to 12C-18C, compared with unshaded asphalt or concrete. Photograph: Jon Challicom/Getty 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. The research mapped all primary and secondary schools across England and cross-referenced it with government datasets of mapped woodland and the trees outside woodland datasets to determine total tree cover in a 100-metre radius of school locations. Analysis of local authority areas was also carried out. ‘Children were calling for their mummies’: UK pupils struggle in 40C-plus classrooms Read more Private schools have the greatest level of tree cover. Among state mainstream schools, those with the highest levels of free school meal eligibility – an indicator of socioeconomic deprivation – have 29% less tree cover than schools with the lowest free school meal levels. The median tree cover in schools with the highest rates of free school meals is 11.7% compared with 16.3% for schools in more affluent areas. A Guardian investigation previously revealed that students at England’s top private schools have 10 times more access to green space than those at state schools. In extreme temperatures, trees reduce latent heat by providing shade and through transpiration, and can bring surface temperatures down by up to 12C to 18C, compared to unshaded asphalt or concrete. Lewis Winks, the environmental social scientist who led the research, said: “Trees in and around school grounds offer vital shade during heatwaves like the one we’ve just experienced, while also benefiting wellbeing, improving air quality, enhancing biodiversity and enriching outdoor learning opportunities. “It is unacceptable that these benefits are so unevenly distributed, with the most advantaged children more likely to attend schools with greener, better-shaded surroundings.” View image in fullscreen An aerial view of the park and gardens surrounding North London Collegiate School in Harrow, London, a private day school for girls. Photograph: Heritage Images/Getty The Guardian has revealed how school teachers have struggled to keep children cool this summer, with some primary teachers covering younger pupils in wet paper towels as they lie on the floor, while ol