Hundreds of schools across Great Britain have been forced to shut their doors on Friday, 9th January 2026, following days of intense snowfall, ice, and sub-zero temperatures. The widespread disruption comes as the Met Office issues severe weather warnings, including a rare Red warning for wind in parts of the South West.
Severe Weather Warnings and Storm Goretti's Impact
The Met Office has warned of a "multi-hazard event" causing significant disruption. Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong stated that Storm Goretti is bringing exceptionally strong gusts that could reach 100mph or more in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, areas under a Red wind warning.
"Heavy snow will affect Wales, the Midlands and parts of northern England overnight and through Friday morning," Armstrong said. He warned that Goretti will bring snow on its northern edge, with accumulations of 10-15 cm likely widely, and 20-30 cm possible on higher ground in Wales and the Peak District.
An Amber warning is also in place where the greatest risk of disruption is expected from Thursday night into Friday morning. Yellow warnings for wind, snow, and rain cover various other regions.
Full List of School Closures by Nation
England
Numerous schools, primarily in the West Midlands, have confirmed closures for Friday. The list includes, but is not limited to:
- Aston University Engineering Academy & Sixth Form, Birmingham
- Fortis Academy and Sixth Form, Birmingham
- Wilkinson Primary School, Wolverhampton
- Hagley Catholic High School
- Leasowes High School, Halesowen
- Newtown High School (both campuses)
- Multiple primary schools across Dudley, Sedgley, Kingswinford, and Stourbridge.
Scotland
The disruption in Scotland remains severe, with more than 250 schools closed on Friday. This follows 278 closures on Thursday. The majority of the affected schools are in northern regions.
Over 150 schools in Aberdeenshire are closed, along with dozens in the Highlands and Aberdeen, and several in Moray. Many pupils have now had a full week off at the start of the new term, with remote learning provided where possible.
Wales
Wales is facing extensive closures due to the predicted heavy snow. A long list of schools across multiple counties will not open on Friday. Affected institutions include:
- Darland High School, Wrexham
- All Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn sites, Denbighshire
- Brynmawr Foundation School, Blaenau Gwent (closed until 10th Jan)
- Porthcawl Comprehensive, Bridgend
- Brecon High School, Powys
- Welshpool High School, Powys
- Ysgol Calon Cymru (Builth and Llandrindod campuses)
- Numerous primary schools across Powys, including in Newtown, Llanidloes, and Machynlleth.
Ongoing Travel Disruption and Advice
The severe weather has already caused significant travel disruption, mainly in the north of the UK, and this is expected to continue throughout Friday. The Met Office advises people in the warning areas to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and heed messages from local authorities.
With further snow forecast and dangerous conditions persisting, parents and guardians are urged to check their local council and school websites for the very latest information on closures and safe travel.
