A severe winter storm, dubbed a 'snow bomb', has triggered widespread disruption across the United Kingdom, forcing the closure of hundreds of schools on Monday, January 5, 2026. The adverse weather has impacted educational institutions in all four Home Nations, with particularly heavy closures reported in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, alongside several in England.
Nationwide Disruption as Snow Blankets the UK
The extreme conditions, featuring heavy snowfall and treacherous ice, have made travel dangerous for staff and pupils alike. School authorities have taken the decision to close sites to ensure public safety. The closures are not limited to remote areas, with schools in counties like Devon also affected by related issues such as heating failures.
In England, St Luke's Church of England School in Exeter confirmed it would be closed due to a complete heating failure across the school site. Meanwhile, other Devon schools, including Ashwater Primary School and Halwill Community Primary School, opted for delayed openings at 10am to allow for safer travel in the icy conditions.
Extensive Closures Across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
The scale of disruption is most evident in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, where education authorities have published extensive lists of affected schools.
Northern Ireland has seen dozens of primaries, secondaries, and integrated colleges shut. Notable closures include Carr's Glen Primary School in Belfast, St Patrick's and St Brigid's College, and Ballymena Academy. The list spans from Carr's Glen in Belfast to St Mary's Primary School in Draperstown.
In Wales, the situation is similar, with numerous schools citing hazardous access routes and dangerous site conditions. Ysgol Llangadog reported its car park and walkways were covered in snow and ice, while staff faced difficulties travelling from secluded areas. Other closures include Ysgol Bro Banw, Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School, and several Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor campuses.
Scotland is facing the most extensive shutdown, with well over a hundred schools listed as closed. The affected institutions are spread across multiple regions, including Aberdeenshire, Shetland, Orkney, and Moray. Schools from Aboyne Academy and Peterhead Academy in the east to Anderson High School in Shetland and Kirkwall Grammar School in Orkney are all non-operational. Many primary schools, such as Ballater School and Turriff Primary, are also shut.
Safety First as the Cold Snap Continues
The unanimous reason given by all schools is the significant risk to safety posed by the weather. Icy roads, snow-covered paths, and dangerous driving conditions make journeys to school perilous. Furthermore, the potential for staff being unable to reach work from rural locations has compounded the problem, making it impossible for many schools to operate safely or effectively.
Parents and guardians are advised to check their local school's website or council communications for the very latest updates, as the situation may change throughout Monday depending on further snowfall and ongoing gritting efforts. The widespread nature of these closures underscores the severity of the winter weather currently affecting the entire UK.
