Families in Colchester, Essex, are being asked to check for school updates as some primary schools face disruptions following the February half-term break. Essex County Council is monitoring the situation as pupils return to the classroom this week.
Queen Boudica Primary School was forced to close on Monday, February 23, and Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The closure happened because the building had no hot water due to significant plumbing failures.
The spring term resumed for most local children on Monday, February 23, after the holiday break from February 16 to February 20, 2026. Officials are warning that more emergency closures could happen if other buildings have similar infrastructure issues during the cold weather.
Earlier in 2026, Langenhoe Community Primary and St Teresa’s Catholic Primary also had to shut down temporarily. Those closures were also caused by heating and plumbing systems failing during freezing temperatures.
Parents and carers are advised to have backup childcare plans ready in case their school has to change its opening hours. The council is providing regular updates on its official website regarding any further disruptions in the area.
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