Heavy snowfall from Storm Goretti has triggered widespread disruption across Birmingham's education sector, with the vast majority of the city's secondary schools confirming they will be closed on Friday, 9 January 2026.
Citywide closures confirmed
An extensive check of all 89 secondary schools listed on the Birmingham City Council directory revealed a clear picture of disruption. Eighty-three schools have confirmed they will not be open to most pupils due to the adverse weather conditions and safety concerns.
Many institutions are reverting to remote learning strategies, a system famously utilised during the Covid pandemic. While the majority of students will work from home, several schools have made exceptions for pupils sitting critical external examinations, who are still required to attend in person.
For instance, Bordesley Green Girls' School & Sixth Form announced the day would operate as a staff training day, closed for most students, but insisted exam candidates must arrive by 1:15 pm. Similarly, Moseley School and Sixth Form stated it was closed, with work set for students on Microsoft Teams and live lessons arranged for Year 11 and 13 pupils.
Six schools yet to confirm status
While the situation is clear for most, the status of six secondary schools remains unconfirmed as of Friday morning. These schools have not provided updates on their official websites or social media channels, and calls to their premises have gone unanswered.
The schools with no confirmed status are:
- The Ark St Alban's Academy in Highgate
- Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School in Kingstanding
- E-ACT Shenley Academy in Northfield
- Harborne Academy
- Holte School in Lozells
- Stockland Green School in Erdington
Parents of children at these schools are advised to continue checking for official communications. The disruption extends far beyond secondary education, affecting Birmingham's 272 primary schools, along with numerous infant, junior, special, and alternative provision settings.
Full list of confirmed closures
The following secondary schools have confirmed they are closed to most students on Friday, 9 January 2026:
Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School, Arena Academy, Ark Boulton Academy, Ark Kings Academy, Ark Victoria Academy, Aston Manor Academy, Aston University Engineering Academy, Bartley Green School, Bishop Challoner Catholic College, Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, Bishop Walsh Catholic School, BOA Creative, Digital and Performing Arts Academy, BOA Digital Technologies Academy, Bordesley Green Girls' School & Sixth Form, Bournville School, Broadway Academy, Christ Church Church of England Secondary Academy, City Academy, Cockshut Hill School, Colmers School and Sixth Form College, Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School, E-ACT Heartlands Academy, E-ACT North Birmingham Academy, Eden Boys' Leadership Academy Birmingham East, Eden Boys' School Birmingham, Eden Girls' Leadership Academy Birmingham, Erdington Academy, Fairfax, Fortis Academy, George Dixon Academy, Hall Green School, Hamstead Hall Academy, Hillcrest School and Sixth Form Centre, Hodge Hill College, Hodge Hill Girls' School, Holy Trinity Catholic School, Holyhead School, Jewellery Quarter Academy, King Edward VI Aston School, King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, King Edward VI Five Ways School, King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls, King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls' Academy, King Edward VI King's Norton School for Boys, King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls, King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls, King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy, Kings Heath Secondary School, Kings Norton Girls' School, Lordswood Boys' School, Moseley School and Sixth Form, Ninestiles Academy, Nishkam High School, Plantsbrook School, Prince Albert High School, Queensbridge School, Rockwood Academy, Saltley Academy, Selly Park Girls' School, Small Heath Leadership Academy, St Edmund Campion Catholic School, St John Wall Catholic School, St Paul's School for Girls, St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, Star King Solomon Academy, Starbank School, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, Swanshurst School, The Arthur Terry School, The Royal Sutton School, The University of Birmingham School, Tile Cross Academy, Turves Green Boys' School, Washwood Heath Academy, Waverley School, Waverley Studio College, Wheelers Lane Technology College, and Yardleys School.
Residents are urged to travel only if absolutely essential and to follow the latest updates from their local schools and transport providers.
