UPDATED 4.57pm: Shock, sadness and surprise.

That's the reaction from the head of Redcliffs School in Christchurch in the wake of the Education Minister's interim decision to close it.

She's cited possible disruption from potential rockfall from the cliffs above the primary school as the main reason and locals are in uproar.

Hekia Parata said there are many unknowns.

"It is agreed the cliff is unstable, it is agreed there are likely to be future rock falls, but what isn't known and what does create uncertainty is how frequently and what level of rock fall."

Principal Kim Alexander said staff, students and parents are heartbroken.

"Its still sinking in. it is very disappointing - we thought that we had demonstrated to the minister many reasons why the school should remain open and return to site."

The school now has until March to respond and make a further plea to remain open.

Board of Trustees chairman Mark Robberds said the school and parents are devastated.

"Obvious disappointment..they want their school back, the highly functioning, great Kiwi primary school. And we want it back again.