This comes after details of further planned protests were circulated on social media this morning
10:55, 10 Jun 2026Updated 12:00, 10 Jun 2026
Riots broke out after protests in Belfast on Tuesday(Image: Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye)
A number of schools have taken the decision to close this morning with pupils set to be sent home.
Seaview Primary School, Rathcoole Primary School, Cregagh Primary School and Harmony Primary School have confirmed that they will close
RBAI have also informed parents that pupils will be sent home at 11:30 this morning in “light of recent circumstances” beyond their control.
This comes after details of further planned protests were circulated on social media this morning. The Education Authority said schools should take individual decisions on whether to close.
Principal of Seaview Primary School, Mrs Latham posted on Facebook: “In light of the events in Belfast last night and ongoing concerns regarding potential further unrest today, the decision has been taken to close the school early in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff.
“School will close at 11:00am today, and we ask that all children are collected promptly at this time.
“We appreciate that this may cause some inconvenience, however the safety of our school community remains our priority. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
“If there are any changes or further updates, we will communicate these with you as soon as possible.”
RBAI is one of the schools in Belfast closing(Image: Justin Kernoghan)
In a message to parents, RBAI said: “In light of recent circumstances beyond our control, the decision has been taken to send all pupils home at 11.30am, with the exception of those completing external examinations.
“External examinations this afternoon are currently going ahead as planned, but if there is any change to this, it will be communicated to the families of the pupils concerned.
“If any pupil is unable to get home at 11.30am, senior staff will be in school to ensure they are not left unsupervised.”
In a statement, the Education Authority 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.
“We acknowledge that some schools may have to take individual decisions – for example, based on PSNI advice or local circumstances.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.