EA statement as schools send pupils home amid disorder concerns

EA statement as schools send pupils home amid disorder concerns "A blanket decision regarding closures for the whole of NI would be neither practical nor proportionate." 11:46, 10 Jun 2026 Updated 11:58, 10 Jun 2026 The Education Authority has said that the closure of schools across Northern Ireland "neither practical nor proportionate" amid claims on social media about further protests today. A number of schools in the Belfast area have taken the decision to send pupils home this morning. The EA has said that school leaders should continue to monitor the situation and react "as necessary and appropriate." An EA spokesperson said: "EA is grateful to all schools and youth organisations for their support to children and young people at this time. "We are all agreed maintaining the education of children and young people is a vital priority. In that context, while we are aware of unverified social media claims about further planned protests today, a blanket decision regarding closures for the whole of NI would be neither practical nor proportionate. "Individual school leaders should continue to closely monitor the situation in their local area, and the commuting pathway for staff and pupils, and react as necessary and appropriate. Article continues below "We acknowledge that some schools may have to take individual decisions - for example, based on PSNI advice or local circumstances. "We will continue to keep you updated." For all the latest news, visit the homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.