More than seventy schools across Staffordshire have taken the decision to close their doors on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, as heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures create hazardous conditions for travel.
Widespread Disruption Across the County
The county has woken up to a blanket of snow, resulting in poor road conditions and icy footpaths described by authorities as 'treacherous'. This has forced headteachers to conduct urgent risk assessments to determine the safety of both pupils and staff attempting to reach their sites.
The decision to close is not taken lightly and follows specific guidance from Staffordshire County Council. Headteachers must assess whether children can travel to and from school safely and if the school premises can remain secure and operational throughout the day.
Full List of School Closures
The extensive list of closures spans primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision schools across the region. Notable closures include:
- Alleyne's Academy
- Blackfriars Academy, Newcastle
- Churnet View Middle School
- Hednesford Valley High School
- Kidsgrove Secondary School
- Madeley High School
- Norton Canes High School
- The King's CofE Academy
- Walton High School
In addition to those listed, dozens of primary and first schools are also affected, from All Saints CE Primary in Ranton to Wood Lane Primary School. Parents are advised that Springhill Primary Academy in Burntwood is only closed for its reception class.
How Schools Make the Closure Decision
The county council has outlined the critical factors in the risk assessment process that leads to a closure. These include:
- The state of pathways, steps, and slopes on the school grounds.
- The condition of local roads and public footpaths in the surrounding area.
- Whether the school's essential services like heating, lighting, and water are functioning correctly.
- The availability of catering supplies and school meal provision.
- The operational status of public transport and dedicated school coach services.
Unforeseen issues such as a boiler failure can also prompt a last-minute closure, even if weather conditions initially seem manageable. The council maintains a live list of closures on its official website for parents to check the latest status.
With the weather forecast indicating continued freezing temperatures, parents and guardians are urged to stay updated via the council's channels and to prioritise safety during the commute. The widespread nature of the closures underscores the severity of the conditions affecting the entire Staffordshire region.
