Skip to main content
Department of Education Department of Education

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Topics
  • Publications
  • Consultations
  • Contact

Translation help

Translate this page

Select a language

  • Arabic — عربي
  • Chinese (Simplified) — 中文简体
  • Chinese (Traditional) — 中文繁體
  • Dutch — Nederlands
  • Filipino — Filipino
  • French — Français
  • German — Deutsch
  • Hungarian — Magyar
  • Irish — Gaeilge
  • Italian — Italiano
  • Latvian — Latviešu
  • Lithuanian — Lietuvių kalba
  • Polish — Polski
  • Portuguese — Português
  • Romanian — Română
  • Russian — Русский
  • Slovak — Slovenčina
  • Spanish — Español
  • Ukrainian — Українська
  • Schools are not closing early for Christmas holidays - Weir

    Date published: 30 November 2020

    Education Minister Peter Weir today said there are no plans to extend schools’ Christmas holidays.

    His statement is in response to continued speculation on an early closing of schools in December.

    The Minister Weir said: “It is disappointing that despite my clear statement on 17 November that schools will not close early, there continues to be widespread rumours about this matter.

    “I will once again stress that there are no plans to extend the Christmas holidays for schools. I believe this would only cause further disruption to children’s education and lead to an increase in levels of stress and anxiety.

    “I strongly believe that face to face teaching is the best form of education and our schools are the best place to provide this in a controlled and safe environment.

    “Indeed, large numbers of young people socialising out of school has the potential to create a major public health concern. My main priority is to guard children’s education, mental health and well-being.”

    Notes to editors:

    1. Follow us on Twitter @Education_ni
    2. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office at: Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk.
    3. The Executive Information Service operates an out-of-hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

    Latest news

    • Education Minister launches Inclusive Play Programme transforming learning environments in schools

      4 June 2026

    • Education Minister disappointed by unions’ announcement over workload

      2 June 2026

    • Givan announces award of professional learning programme for new and aspiring school principals

      26 May 2026

    • Education Minister celebrates opening of new £56m St Ronan’s College.

      22 May 2026

    More news …
    Share this page Share on Facebook (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share on X (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share by email (external link opens in a new window / tab)

    Department footer links

    • Crown copyright
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy
    • Cookies
    • Accessibility
    • The Northern Ireland Executive
    • The Executive Office
    • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
    • Department for Communities
    • Department for Education
    • Department for the Economy
    • Department of Finance
    • Department for Infrastructure
    • Department for Health
    • Department of Justice
    • nidirect.gov.uk — the official government website for Northern Ireland citizens