Severe winter weather has led to widespread school closures across the UK, with heavy snow and icy conditions affecting numerous regions. The closures, which began on January 7, 2025, were confirmed by local councils and have impacted communities from Macclesfield to the Highlands.
The Met Office issued weather warnings beginning over the weekend, forecasting showers of rain, sleet, and potentially heavy snow for inland areas, particularly across Northern Ireland. "Showers of rain and sleet near coasts, and snow inland, will continue to affect Northern Ireland this afternoon and evening," the Met Office reported. Consequently, schools deemed it necessary to close to protect the safety of their students and staff.
Across Cheshire, numerous schools such as Ash Grove Academy and Puss Bank School reported closures, which shared via Cheshire East Council. The complete list included:
- Ash Grove Academy
- Bollington Cross CE Primary School
- Dean Valley Community Primary
- Hollinhey Primary
- Hurdsfield Primary School
- Macclesfield College
- Park Lane School
- Pott Shrigley School
- Puss Bank School
- Rainow Primary
- Upton Priory School
- Wincle Primary
Meanwhile, Leeds faced similar challenges. Schools including Elements Primary and South SILC Broomfield School announced closures due to the severe weather. "Schools may also contact parents via text or on their own website," explained officials from South Leeds Life, advising families to stay updated through direct communication.
Conditions varied across the regions, with some areas experiencing significant disruptions. For example, as the Met Office starkly warned of icy patches contributing to dangerous travel conditions, police were deployed to assist with traffic concerns. The situation was particularly treacherous, with reports damningly noting, "Conditions are set to worsen overnight." This prompted additional closures and delayed starts across primary and secondary schools from Lancashire to the Highlands.
Several schools stepped forward to share their closure reports. Areas like Lancashire saw numerous schools shuttered, including:
- Gisburn Primary School - Whole school closed due to unsafe icy conditions
- Salesbury Church of England Primary School - Whole school closed as there is no heating and no hot water
- Barrowford School - Whole school closed, the site is unsafe due to snow
- Bradley Primary School - Closed due to adverse weather conditions
- Multiple other schools across different regions also announced similar closures due to snow and icy conditions.
Further north, the Highlands reported the closures of several schools and nurseries. Some institutions opted for partial closures, adjusting their opening times to mitigate safety risks. A breakdown of closures includes:
- Achiltibuie Primary: Partially closed - 1 hour later opening
- Keiss Primary: Closed
- Kilchuimen Academy: Partially closed - 1 hour later opening
- Lochinver Early Learning and Childcare: Closed
With children's safety at the forefront, local councils have taken these measures seriously and have been prompt to communicate their decisions to families. Educational authorities across various regions have found support as calls for safety lead the consideration of school operations during unpredictable weather.
Parents are urged to remain vigilant and stay informed about the closures and potential resumption of services. The public can turn to council websites and local news sources for updates on the situation as the winter weather continues to impact the school calendar.