Blacon High School closed Monday and Tuesday following ransomware attack

Blacon High School in Chester will be closed on Monday, 20 January, and Tuesday, 21 January, due to a ransomware attack that occurred on Friday, 17 January.

In a statement on the school’s website, headteacher Rachel Hudson confirmed that the school is working with an independent cybersecurity firm to assess the extent of the attack and determine whether there has been a data breach.

She noted that while the school aims to reopen as soon as possible, further closures may be necessary.

“We have an independent cybersecurity company working in school to understand exactly what has happened,” Ms Hudson wrote. “Until this is completed, I will not be able to provide any further details on any potential data breach. Unfortunately, cyber-attacks like this are happening more frequently despite having the latest security measures in place.”

During the closure, teachers will re-plan lessons and set work via Google Classroom for students to complete at home.

Senior staff are also implementing contingency measures to ensure the school can continue to operate despite the disruption.

The attack is part of a growing trend of ransomware incidents affecting public services, including schools, NHS facilities, and other organisations.

Despite the school’s security measures, Ms Hudson noted the increasing prevalence of such attacks.