All States run schools closed

Tuesday 27 February 2018

Snow overnight has forced the closure of all States run schools in Guernsey.

The decision was made after inspections were made at school premises first thing this morning.

While some headteachers initially made the decision to open, they changed their minds following further inspections.

An announcement was made to close all States run schools and the College of Further Education sites soon after 08:00.

In a statement a spokesman said: "Following snowfall overnight, head teachers carried out inspections at school this morning. While some schools were considered safe to open, others were not and decisions were taken on an individual school basis.

"However, a decision has now been taken to close all States school for today."

There had been some confusion after a number of schools were planned to open, which was announced on the earliest news bulletin of the morning.

A States spokesman said: "We had attempted to open schools wherever possible but as the morning has progressed it has become clear that a more sensible and consistent decision would be to close all States schools today. This decision was taken after reviewing conditions and following close liaison with Guernsey Police, which has advised islanders to take extreme caution when travelling on the road.

"The decision to close schools is for today only. A further announcement in relation to tomorrow [Wednesday] will be made in due course."

Of the private schools Blanchelande is closed while the Ladies and Elizabeth colleges are both reported to be open.