Most schools across Aberdeen are opening later than usual today as snow and ice continue to cause disruption on roads and pavements, with pupils asked not to arrive before 11am in many cases. Breakfast clubs have been cancelled city-wide and at least one primary school has closed completely due to the severe weather.
A Met Office amber warning for heavy snow covers Aberdeen and parts of the north and north-east, with conditions expected to remain difficult through the morning. The council has warned that ongoing snowfall and low temperatures are likely to impact road conditions, particularly on untreated side streets and residential areas.
Gritting teams have been working across key routes, but officials say it is not possible to be everywhere at once and are prioritising the main network before moving onto secondary routes. Residents are being urged to allow extra time for any essential journeys and to take care on footpaths and crossing points.
Aberdeen City Council has instructed all schools and early learning centres under its control to delay opening until 11am today because of the uncertainty around morning travel and access. Families have been told not to send children in at normal time and to wait for local updates from individual head teachers where there are particular issues around a school site.
According to the council’s school closures page, the majority of city primaries and secondaries are listed as “delayed opening” until 11am, citing severe or adverse weather as the reason. This includes large secondaries such as Aberdeen Grammar, Bridge of Don Academy and Bucksburn Academy, alongside numerous primaries including Airyhall, Ashley Road, Broomhill, Glashieburn, Mile-End and Muirfield.
While most schools plan to open later, some have had to shut their doors for the entire day in response to localised conditions. Charleston School is listed as closed to all pupils and staff due to severe weather, and Orchard Brae School is closed to pupils, with further information to be issued directly to families.
Several other schools, including faith schools such as Holy Family RC and St Joseph’s RC, are also operating on a delayed timetable because of adverse weather and challenging road conditions in their catchment areas. Parents and carers are being advised to monitor usual communication channels, including Groupcall, school websites and social media, for any changes.
All council-run breakfast clubs are cancelled today, meaning families who rely on early drop-off will need to make alternative arrangements. Schools are expected to focus on a shortened timetable once pupils arrive, with some adapting lesson plans in case attendance is affected by transport issues.
Parents have been asked to ensure children are dressed appropriately for winter conditions, with warm layers and suitable footwear in case of lingering snow and icy patches in playgrounds and on approaches to schools. The council has also reminded drivers to park considerately around school gates to avoid adding to congestion on narrowed, slushy roads.
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Aberdeen City Council has directed families to its dedicated school closures web page, which is being updated as head teachers review conditions locally through the morning. Any new closures, extensions to delayed openings or partial closures will be published there, along with details of which groups of pupils are affected.
The Met Office website and app are also being highlighted as key sources for up-to-date weather warnings as the amber alert for snow runs its course. Families are encouraged to keep checking for the latest guidance before setting off, particularly if conditions worsen or further snow showers move across the city.
