Staying on top of school term dates is essential for families, students, and educators. With the Edinburgh School Calendar covering the academic years 2025/2026, 2026/2027, and 2027/2028, you can plan holidays, childcare, and study schedules well in advance.
This guide provides official Edinburgh School Calendar, term dates, holiday breaks, and free PDF resources to keep your family organised.
Edinburgh School Calendar PDF Free Download
Having a printable calendar is essential for busy families. A free PDF download allows you to visualise the entire academic year, mark important dates, and coordinate childcare and holidays effectively.
Where to Find the Official Edinburgh School Calendar PDF
The most reliable source for the official Edinburgh School Calendar is the Edinburgh City Council website. They publish the term dates for all local authority schools, ensuring you have accurate and up-to-date information. You can download the academic calendar template directly from their official portal.
Printable Calendar Templates for Parents and Teachers
Many educational websites offer free, printable calendar templates that can be customised to highlight specific breaks. These templates are perfect for families to display on the fridge or for teachers to plan their curriculum around term dates.
Edinburgh School Calendar 2025/2026 PDF
The official 2025/2026 school calendar is available directly from Edinburgh City Council. The academic year begins on Wednesday 13 August 2025 for pupils, with staff returning on 11 August for in-service days. The calendar provides 190 teaching days for students, with breaks distributed throughout the year including the October mid-term, Christmas holidays, and Easter break .
| Download Option | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Official Council Calendar | Full term dates from Edinburgh City Council | Download PDF |
Edinburgh School Calendar 2026/2027 PDF
The 2026/2027 session dates have been approved by Edinburgh City Council. The session runs from Wednesday 12 August 2026 to Tuesday 29 June 2027, following the same pattern as previous years with 190 teaching days for pupils .
| Download Option | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Official Council Calendar | Approved dates for 2026/2027 session | Download PDF |
Read More: Edinburgh School Holidays
Understanding the Scottish School Calendar System
The Scottish education system operates slightly differently from other parts of the UK. Understanding these differences can be helpful for planning and setting expectations.
How Edinburgh School Term Dates Are Set
Edinburgh City Council sets the term dates for all local authority schools in the capital. The process ensures there are 190 teaching days for students each year, with holidays distributed across the year to include breaks like the October holiday, Christmas, Easter, and the May and Victoria Day holidays.
Difference Between Scottish and English School Calendars
One of the most significant differences is the timing of the summer break. While English schools typically break up in late July, Edinburgh School summer holidays begin much earlier, often in late June. This early start can affect summer job applications, holiday bookings, and childcare arrangements.
Role of Edinburgh City Council in Setting School Dates
The Council plays a vital role in coordinating the academic calendar for all Edinburgh schools. They publish the official dates for school holidays, including local holidays like Victoria Day, which are unique to Scotland.
Need Accurate UK Public Holiday Information?
If you need more details about public holidays in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, our team is ready to assist. Contact us for accurate guidance and timely updates.
Get in TouchWhy Planning with an Edinburgh School Calendar is Essential
An Edinburgh School Calendar is more than just a list of dates—it’s an essential tool for successful school year planning. Here’s how it helps everyone involved.
For Families: Planning Holidays and Childcare
For busy parents, the calendar is the foundation of family organisation. It helps you coordinate annual leave, book childcare for in-service days, and plan holidays around the Easter break, May holidays, and the all-important summer break.
For Students: Organizing Study and Revision
For students, a clear school calendar is invaluable for managing their workload. It allows them to plan revision sessions around exams, schedule coursework deadlines, and make the most of their holidays.
For Educators: Lesson Planning and Curriculum Delivery
Education professionals rely on the school calendar to structure the curriculum. Knowing the exact term dates and in-service days ensures they can plan lessons effectively and meet all learning objectives for the academic year.
Edinburgh School Calendar 2025/2026
| Term / Holiday | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term Starts | Wednesday 13 August 2025 |
| September Holiday | Monday 15 September 2025 (schools closed) |
| October Mid-Term Break | Friday 10 October – Monday 20 October 2025 |
| Term Ends (Christmas) | Friday 19 December 2025 |
| Christmas Holidays | Monday 22 December 2025 – Monday 5 January 2026 |
| Spring Term Starts | Tuesday 6 January 2026 |
| February Mid-Term Break | Friday 13 February – Monday 23 February 2026 |
| Spring Term Ends | Thursday 2 April 2026 |
| Easter Holidays | Friday 3 April – Monday 20 April 2026 (includes Good Friday and Easter Monday) |
| Summer Term Starts | Tuesday 21 April 2026 |
| May Day Holiday | Monday 4 May 2026 |
| Staff Only Day | Tuesday 5 May 2026 |
| Victoria Day | Monday 18 May 2026 |
| Summer Term Ends | Friday 26 June 2026 |
| Summer Holidays | Monday 29 June – Wednesday 12 August 2026 |
Edinburgh School Calendar 2026/2027
| Term / Holiday | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term Starts | Wednesday 12 August 2026 |
| September Holiday | Monday 14 September 2026 (schools closed) |
| October Mid-Term Break | Monday 12 October – Monday 19 October 2026 |
| Term Ends (Christmas) | Friday 18 December 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | Monday 21 December 2026 – Tuesday 5 January 2027 |
| Spring Term Starts | Wednesday 6 January 2027 |
| February Mid-Term Break | Monday 15 February – Friday 19 February 2027 |
| Spring Term Ends | Friday 2 April 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | Monday 5 April – Monday 19 April 2027 |
| Summer Term Starts | Tuesday 20 April 2027 |
| May Day Holiday | Monday 3 May 2027 |
| Victoria Day | Monday 24 May 2027 |
| Summer Term Ends | Tuesday 29 June 2027 |
| Summer Holidays | Wednesday 30 June – Thursday 12 August 2027 |
Edinburgh School Calendar 2027/2028
| Term / Holiday | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term Starts | Wednesday 18 August 2027 |
| October Mid-Term Break | Monday 11 October – Friday 15 October 2027 |
| St Andrews Day Holiday | Monday 29 November 2027 (schools closed) |
| Term Ends (Christmas) | Tuesday 21 December 2027 |
| Christmas Holidays | Wednesday 22 December 2027 – Wednesday 5 January 2028 |
| Spring Term Starts | Thursday 6 January 2028 |
| February Mid-Term Break | Monday 14 February – Friday 18 February 2028 |
| Spring Term Ends | Friday 31 March 2028 |
| Easter Holidays | Monday 3 April – Friday 14 April 2028 |
| Summer Term Starts | Monday 17 April 2028 |
| May Day Holiday | Monday 1 May 2028 |
| Summer Term Ends | Thursday 29 June 2028 |
Explore Official UK Public Holiday Dates
Access verified public holiday dates, yearly calendars, and regional breakdowns all in one place. Our regularly updated guide ensures you never miss an important UK holiday.
View UK Public HolidaysConclusion
Having a reliable Edinburgh School Calendar covering 2025/2026, 2026/2027, and 2027/2028 is essential for navigating the academic years successfully. By downloading a printable calendar, you can stay ahead of term dates, holidays, and in-service days, making each year well-planned and stress-free for your family.
Also Read: Scotland School Holidays
FAQs
What are the Edinburgh school holidays in 2026?
The 2026 school holidays include the spring mid-term (16-20 February), Easter (3-20 April), May Day (4 May), Victoria Day (18 May), and the summer holidays beginning 26 June.
What are the school term dates in Scotland?
The 2026 summer term for Edinburgh starts on 21 April and ends on 26 June. The next autumn term is scheduled to start on 12 August 2026.
What is the school calendar in 2026?
The Edinburgh 2026 school calendar runs from Tuesday 6 January to Friday 26 June, encompassing the winter, spring, and summer terms.
How long are the summer holidays in Edinburgh schools?
The summer holidays for Edinburgh schools begin after term ends on Friday 26 June 2026. They extend through July and into August until the new school year begins.
What date are UK school holidays?
UK school holidays vary by nation. Scottish schools break up in late June and early July, whereas English schools typically break up in late July. It is always best to check your local council’s website for exact dates.
What are the holidays for the 2026 calendar?
The 2026 holidays include New Year’s Day, Good Friday (3 April), Easter Monday (6 April), May Day (4 May), Victoria Day (18 May), and Summer and Autumn bank holidays.
Useful Resources
- The Scottish Government
- Edinburgh City Council: Check their website for the official school term date documents
- Government UK: Official guidance on term dates and public holidays.
