Shropshire School Closures: Storm Goretti Forces Widespread Disruption

Winter Weather Brings Widespread School Closures

Parents across Shropshire are facing significant disruption this week as schools across Shropshire have announced they will be closed on Friday in preparation of Storm Goretti. The severe weather event follows a challenging start to 2026, with schools across Shropshire forced to close their doors on Monday after snowfall on Sunday night, with freezing ice also making conditions difficult for motorists.

Why School Closures Matter

School closures have become a pressing concern for families throughout the region, affecting thousands of students and working parents who must arrange alternative childcare. The decision to close schools is never taken lightly, with safety being the primary consideration for both students and staff during extreme weather conditions.

Recent Closure Patterns and Affected Schools

The past week has seen multiple closures across the county. Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby in Woodside, Telford saw its heating system malfunction, Telford Langley School has been closed due to the bad weather, and Burton Borough School reported closure due to heating/boiler issues. These closures highlight the dual challenge schools face: both weather-related hazards and infrastructure problems exacerbated by freezing temperatures.

Decision-Making Process

The decision on whether or not to close a school/nursery is made by the individual head teacher and governing body of that school/nursery, and any queries should be directed to the individual school/nursery. This localised approach means that closure decisions can vary even between neighbouring schools, depending on their specific circumstances and conditions.

Looking Ahead

As Storm Goretti continues to threaten the region, parents are advised to check Shropshire Council’s official school closure website regularly for the latest updates. The ongoing severe weather serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of educational infrastructure to extreme weather events, which climate experts suggest may become more frequent. For working families, these closures underscore the importance of having contingency plans in place during winter months when weather-related disruptions are most likely to occur.