A severe Arctic freeze continues to grip the United Kingdom, prompting the closure of hundreds of schools across all four nations on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The Met Office warns of persistent cold, with snow, sleet, and hail showers causing significant disruption to education services.
Nationwide Disruption as Arctic Airmass Holds Firm
The UK remains under the influence of a biting Arctic airmass, delivering another day of very cold conditions. The Met Office forecast for Tuesday states that rain, sleet, and snow will move in from the northwest, with heavy and persistent snow expected for parts of Scotland. Other regions will see sunny spells interspersed with wintry showers, accompanied by strengthening winds.
Further disruption is expected into the evening, with rain, sleet, and snow moving across southern areas before clearing overnight. This will lead to a widespread sharp frost and ice by Wednesday morning. The outlook for Wednesday suggests a dry day for many with sunny spells, but scattered wintry showers will continue in Scotland and some western coastal areas, where gales may develop.
Complete List of School Closures
Education authorities have taken the decision to close numerous schools to ensure the safety of pupils, staff, and parents. Below is a comprehensive list of confirmed closures for Tuesday.
Northern Ireland
Dozens of schools across Northern Ireland are closed. The list includes primary, secondary, integrated, and special schools spread across multiple counties. Notable closures include Stewartstown Primary School, Lismore College, St Patrick's College in Ballymena, and St Mary's Grammar School in Magherafelt. Special schools such as Roddensvale, Kilronan, and Castle Tower are also affected.
England
In England, Staffordshire is particularly impacted. Closures there encompass a range of institutions from primaries to academies and special schools. Affected schools include The Orme Academy, Madeley High School, Sir Thomas Boughey High School, St John Fisher Catholic College, and Wightwick Hall School.
Wales
Widespread closures are in effect across Anglesey and Gwynedd in Wales. Entire catchment areas for secondary schools like Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni and Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones are shut. Numerous individual primary schools are also closed, including Ysgol Rhosneigr, Ysgol Llanfawr, and Ysgol Garndolbenmaen. Ysgol Bro Idris, serving the Dolgellau area and its satellite sites, is also non-operational.
Scotland
The adverse weather has led to the most blanket closures in Scotland. Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed all schools and council-run nurseries will be closed on Tuesday. Dozens of schools are also shut in Aberdeen, and a large number are closed in Moray. Shetland Council took the decision to close all schools on Monday, with a number still closed in Orkney.
Ongoing Travel and Safety Advice
The extensive school closures highlight the severity of the ongoing cold snap. Residents are urged to check local authority and school websites for the very latest updates, as the situation may change. The public is advised to travel only if necessary, to allow extra time for journeys, and to take care on untreated surfaces due to ice and compacted snow.
This widespread disruption follows warnings of a significant 'snow bomb' expected later in the week, with some forecasts suggesting conditions could become so severe that people should consider staying home.
