A secondary school in Warwickshire has been unable to reopen after the Christmas holidays following a severe and targeted cyber attack that crippled its entire digital infrastructure.
IT Systems Completely Disabled by Malicious Hack
Higham Lane School in Nuneaton was forced to take the drastic decision to remain closed on Monday, 8 January, as scheduled. The malicious attack successfully took down all the school's IT systems, rendering servers, management software, and critical communication tools like email and telephones completely inaccessible to staff.
School leaders conducted an urgent risk assessment and concluded that, without these fundamental digital systems, they could not guarantee a safe and controlled environment for students. The closure was directly linked to concerns over student safeguarding and general wellbeing.
Uncertainty Over Data and Reopening Timeline
It is not yet known if the cyber criminals managed to access or steal any sensitive personal data during the breach. Technical teams are currently working around the clock to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and restore the network's integrity and security.
School management has apologised to parents and carers who faced last-minute childcare challenges due to the unexpected closure. They emphasised that the decision was necessary to prevent further damage and to ensure the long-term security of the school's network.
Parents Urged to Check for Updates
While the school hopes to be able to welcome pupils back from Wednesday, 10 January, officials have stated they cannot yet guarantee a firm date for the resumption of lessons. All pupils have been granted at least two additional days off while the situation is resolved.
Parents are being urged to monitor the school's official social media channels and website for further updates, which are expected on Tuesday morning. The incident highlights the growing vulnerability of public sector institutions, including schools, to disruptive cyber crime.
