SCHOOLS up and down north Essex are to keep their doors closed on Monday following a day of snow.

Some headteachers decided to announce on Sunday evening that they would shut the school the following day.

Colchester Sixth Form College announced on its website that all scheduled classes had been cancelled.

Only exams will take place on Monday, with morning exams delayed by half an hour.

Students not being tested will be emailed work to do at home.

Colchester Royal Grammar School revealed on its website and on Twitter that only students taking a Geography exam would be expected to come in.

The website stated: "There has been prolonged snowfall in Colchester today, and temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing point overnight.

"We are concerned that freezing snow on icy ground will present a health and safety hazard on site that we will not be able to address in time for normal school on Monday."

Have schools decided to close their doors too early? Or does the extra notice give parents time to make alternative arrangements? Join the debate below: