Higham Lane School Shuts Down Following Major Cyberattack
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Higham Lane School in Nuneaton, part of the Central England Academy Trust stopped all on-site learning after a cyberattack hit its network over the weekend of January 3, 2026.
The incident took down every digital tool the school uses, including phones and email. The shutdown affected Google Classroom, Microsoft SharePoint, and the school’s internal management software. Administrators told all staff and students to stay off school IT systems while they investigate the breach. The school is working with the Department for Education Cyber Incident Response Team to restore services.
The nature of the attack, types of exposed data and number of affected individuals are not disclosed.
The school will stay closed to pupils until at least the end of the week. The school aims to start a phased return on Monday, January 12, 2026. Until then, students must use their own notes to study for GCSE and A-level exams.
