A wave of school closures has hit the Black Country, with several educational institutions remaining shut on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, citing significant safety concerns. The decision follows recent heavy snowfall and persistently freezing temperatures, which have created treacherous conditions and delayed the return to classrooms after the Christmas holiday.
Primary School Appeals for Tractor Help to Clear Site
Alder Coppice Primary School in Sedgley is among the sites that have been forced to close. In a Facebook announcement on Monday evening, January 5, the school expressed its frustration at being unable to resume normal routines. The statement highlighted that access to the school grounds remains potentially dangerous due to a large accumulation of snow and ice.
The school faced particular difficulties as its security team could not gain access on Monday, with locks and gates frozen solid even by midday. With temperatures forecast to drop again overnight, the school is urgently seeking a volunteer with a tractor to help clear Padarn Close, the car park, playgrounds, and other access areas. The school has asked anyone who can assist to contact them via admin@alder.dudley.sch.uk and may also call for volunteers to help with clearing the site on Tuesday.
Secondary Schools and Colleges Forced to Move Online
The adverse weather has also impacted secondary and further education providers. Ormiston Forge Academy in Cradley confirmed its closure, stating that despite the best efforts of its site team, conditions meant they could not open safely. The academy aims to reopen on Wednesday, January 7, and promised to confirm later on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Sandwell College has closed its Central Campus for both Tuesday and Wednesday due to heating issues. The college confirmed that all scheduled exams for Wednesday would proceed in a heated location. Teaching continues as normal at its other campuses, including Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form and the Sandwell Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Campus.
Halesowen College has also closed to all students, moving lessons online. An exception is made for learners sitting BTEC exams, who should report to the Whittingham Road campus. The college stated it cannot provide its usual coach transport for exam-takers but will reimburse public transport costs.
Ongoing Disruption and Apologies to Families
All affected institutions have apologised for the disruption caused to students, parents, and carers. They have thanked their communities for their understanding during the challenging weather conditions. Alder Coppice Primary said it would provide further updates regarding its plans for Wednesday, January 7, as efforts to make the site safe continue.
