Snow Causes Multiple School Closures Across Shropshire on First Day of Term

Winter Weather Disrupts Return to School

Shropshire has awoken to a blanket of white once again, and some youngsters at several schools will be overjoyed to have a snow day on the first day of the new term. Several school closures have been announced in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. The disruption comes as families and students were preparing to return to classrooms following the Christmas break, marking an unexpected start to the 2026 spring term.

The school closures are particularly significant as they affect the education of thousands of pupils across the county. Shropshire Council maintains an official school closures website to keep parents and carers informed of any unplanned closures due to adverse weather conditions, ensuring families can make alternative arrangements quickly and safely.

Met Office Issues Yellow Weather Warning

The Met Office has issued a ‘yellow’ weather warning for snow and icy conditions, which is in effect until 12pm today. The warning covers much of the West Midlands including all of Shropshire. A band of snow showers will move south during Sunday evening and into the early hours of Monday, giving a covering of 1-3 cm of snow in places and leading to ice on untreated surfaces.

Travellers have been urged to plan ahead as snow and ice warnings prompt travel disruption in the West Midlands this morning (January 5). The wintry conditions have not only affected educational institutions but have also created challenging conditions on roads throughout the region, with parents advised to check official sources before attempting to travel to schools.

Affected Schools and Safety Measures

Among the institutions affected, Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby delayed opening from 10am to ensure pupils and staff have time to arrive safely, whilst Haughton Special School closed today with a PD day to take place online for staff. Schools are making individual decisions based on local conditions, staff availability, and the safety of access routes.

Parents are advised to check multiple sources for up-to-date information, including school websites, Shropshire Council’s official school closures page, and local radio stations such as BBC Radio Shropshire which regularly broadcasts closure updates. Many schools are also using text messaging systems and social media platforms to communicate directly with families.

Looking Ahead: Implications for Students and Families

The unexpected closures highlight the ongoing challenges that winter weather presents for educational continuity in rural and semi-rural areas. While some students may welcome an unexpected day off, the closures can create difficulties for working parents who must arrange childcare at short notice.

As conditions are expected to improve by midday, schools will continue to monitor the situation closely. Parents should remain vigilant and check for updates throughout the day, as some schools may be able to reopen once conditions improve and sites are deemed safe. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of having contingency plans in place during the winter months, particularly as climate patterns continue to create unpredictable weather events across the United Kingdom.