A major winter storm is forcing widespread school closures across the Black Country region for Friday, January 9, 2026. The culprit is Storm Goretti, which is forecast to bring heavy snowfall across the UK, including the Midlands, from Thursday evening.
Amber Warning Sparks Pre-emptive Closures
The Met Office has issued a severe amber weather warning effective from 8pm on Thursday, January 8. The warning states snow is 'likely to lead to disruption and dangerous travelling conditions Thursday night into Friday'. In response, several educational institutions have taken the decision to close their doors or alter schedules to ensure the safety of pupils, families, and staff.
Bilston Church of England Primary School was among the first to announce its closure. In a letter to parents on Thursday, the headteacher stated the decision was made "in the interests of the safety of everyone". The school confirmed children would be provided with work to complete at home on Friday.
List of Confirmed School Disruptions
Several schools have confirmed they will not open on Friday. The list of closures includes:
- Bilston Church of England Primary School
- Beacon Hill Academy, Sedgley
- Northwood Park Primary School, Wolverhampton
- Westcroft School, Wolverhampton
- Wilkinson Primary School, Bilston
- Walsall Studio School
Northwood Park Primary School in Wolverhampton cited advice from the local authority to consider early closure based on the forecast. The school expressed hope to resume normal operations on Monday, weather permitting.
Trust Takes Pragmatic Approach with Delayed Start
The Invictus Education Trust, which oversees several schools, has opted for a delayed start rather than full closure. In a move to ensure safety, the Trust will implement a 10.30am start time on Friday, January 9 across its schools. This is intended to allow travel outside of the rush hour. Staff will be on site from 10am.
The schools affected by this delay include:
- Crestwood School
- Pedmore High School
- Ellowes Hall Sports College
- Leasowes High School
- Kinver High School
- Rufford Primary School
- Wombourne High School
The Trust stated the situation would be monitored closely, with any final decision on full closures communicated by headteachers no later than 7am. Importantly, the Trust confirmed that external examinations for Year 12 and Year 13 students will proceed at 9am as scheduled, and attendance for these exams is required.
Parents and carers across the Black Country are advised to check their school's communication channels for the latest updates as Storm Goretti brings significant snow disruption to the Midlands.
