School Closures Today: Severe Weather Disrupts Education Across the UK

Widespread Disruption as Schools Close Across Britain

Hundreds of schools closed today as snow and ice cause disruption across the country after the Met Office issued multiple weather warnings. The closures come as students were scheduled to return from the Christmas holidays, with hundreds of schools in northern Scotland forced to close as a severe snowstorm gripped the region, triggering official amber weather warnings.

Scotland Bears the Brunt of Severe Weather

The most significant impact has been felt in Scotland, where hundreds of schools across Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney and Shetland shut tomorrow as heavy snow leads to disruption on the first day back after the school holidays. All schools and council-run nurseries across Aberdeenshire were closed on Monday due to the weather, following a further amber weather warning for snow across north and northeast Scotland. All Aberdeen City Council schools delayed opening until at least 11am, with breakfast clubs also shut.

Wales and England Face Travel Challenges

The disruption extended beyond Scotland. Heavy snow and freezing temperatures caused major disruption over the weekend, with the weather scuppering the planned return for some schools across North Wales. In England, a small number of schools closed in Yorkshire despite heavy snowfall across the county, with just six schools closed across Yorkshire due to heavy snowfall. Four schools across Devon either closed or delayed opening on Monday 5 January due to icy and adverse weather conditions.

Safety Remains the Priority

The decision to shut down schools was a precautionary measure taken by local authorities, prioritizing the safety of students and staff in the face of hazardous weather conditions. The decision to close a school is for local management, based on conditions at the school and the health and safety of staff and pupils. Parents are advised to check their local council websites for the most up-to-date information on school closures and to follow official communication channels from their children’s schools.

Looking Ahead

Although the snowstorm is expected to subside in the coming days, school closures are likely to continue in some regions until conditions improve, with Aberdeen, Shetland, and Moray reassessing the situation on Tuesday, January 6. The widespread closures serve as a reminder of winter’s impact on daily life and the importance of prioritising student and staff safety during severe weather events.