School Closure: Tuesday 27th January 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

This evening, schools and families were notified of amber and yellow weather warnings across several counties in Northern Ireland, including Antrim, Down and Londonderry. Subsequent Met Office updates have now included explicit warnings of a danger to life associated with Storm Chandra, with significant disruption expected due to high winds and flooding.

As school leaders, we have a duty of care to our pupils, our teaching and non-teaching staff, and the wider school community. It is essential that we do not place anyone at unnecessary or avoidable risk when travelling to, from, or around school.

In light of the most recent weather updates, and following consultation with principals across the area, the East Belfast Principals’ Group (Primary) has taken the collective decision to close schools tomorrow.

This closure will affect Victoria Park Primary and Sandbrook Nursery School. 

We do not take decisions of this nature lightly. While the education of our pupils is central to all that we do, their safety and wellbeing, along with that of staff and families, must remain our highest priority. Under the current conditions, opening schools would not be safe or responsible.

We appreciate that this decision may cause inconvenience for some families and apologise for the disruption. Thank you for your continued understanding and support.

Please stay safe.

Kind regards,

Mrs A. Gourley