Cheshire School Closes After Ransomware Attack

Blacon High School closes after ransomware attack; students off Jan 20-21 as experts resolve data breach.

Jan 18, 2026

ON THIS PAGE

Blacon High School near Chester has shut down temporarily after a ransomware attack hit on Friday. Head teacher Rachel Hudson announced students won't return Monday and Tuesday while cyber-security experts investigate the data breach.

The closure could extend longer as the school waits for all staff devices to be cleaned. Teachers will then need time to re-plan lessons and set up remote work through Google Classroom. Students can still collect lunch from reception between 11:00 and 13:00 GMT on January 20-21.

The school promises to reopen "as soon as it is safe to do so" and will update parents when more information becomes available.

Source: BBC

Have questions about protecting your software?

Our escrow experts are standing by to help.

Book a free demo

Want more insights like this?