Planning family time around the school calendar is essential for every parent in England. Whether you are looking ahead for the England School Holidays or need to align with School Term Dates for future years, we have the complete breakdown for you.
In England, there are typically 7 main school holiday breaks each academic year, including the February half term, Easter school holidays, May half term, Summer school holidays, October half term, and the Christmas holidays.
Understanding these UK school holiday dates helps you avoid the stress of last-minute planning and ensures you are aware of the term time absence rules before booking a trip.
England School Holidays: Ultimate Dates
England School Holidays for 2026
Planning a trip for next year? Here are the confirmed England School Holidays 2026. Remember, these are the standard dates, but always check with your specific school for inset days.
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| February half term holidays | 16/02/2026 | 20/02/2026 |
| Easter school holidays | 30/03/2026 | 10/04/2026 |
| May half term holidays | 25/05/2026 | 29/05/2026 |
| Summer school holidays | 20/07/2026 | 28/08/2026 |
| October half term holidays | 26/10/2026 | 30/10/2026 |
| Christmas holidays 2026 | 21/12/2026 | 04/01/2027 |
England School Holidays for 2027
Looking further ahead? The school break schedule for 2027 follows a similar pattern, giving you ample time to secure the best deals for the Summer holidays.
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| February half term holidays | 15/02/2027 | 19/02/2027 |
| Easter school holidays | 29/03/2027 | 09/04/2027 |
| May half term holidays | 31/05/2027 | 04/06/2027 |
| Summer school holidays | 26/07/2027 | 03/09/2027 |
| October half term holidays | 25/10/2027 | 29/10/2027 |
| Christmas holidays 2027 | 20/12/2027 | 04/01/2028 |
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 TouchEngland School Holidays for 2028
For the super-planners, here are the England School term dates 2028. Knowing these term dates years in advance can be a game-changer for coordinating with extended family.
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| February half term holidays | 14/02/2028 | 18/02/2028 |
| Easter school holidays | 10/04/2028 | 21/04/2028 |
| May half term holidays | 29/05/2028 | 02/06/2028 |
| Summer school holidays | 24/07/2028 | 01/09/2028 |
| October half term holidays | 23/10/2028 | 27/10/2028 |
| Christmas holidays 2028 | 18/12/2028 | 02/01/2029 |
What to do during England school holidays?
Keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays doesn’t have to break the bank. During the long Summer holidays, explore local National Trust sites or free museums in major cities. For the shorter Half term breaks, look for local pumpkin patches in October or woodland walks to see the bluebells in spring. The key is to book local attractions early, as popular spots fill up fast!
Can You Take a Holiday During Term Time?
This is a common question for parents looking to save money. Legally, taking children out of school during term time is not a right. You must get head teacher permission before making any bookings. The school attendance policy usually states that headteachers can only grant leave in exceptional circumstances.
If you take your child out without permission, you risk getting into trouble and receiving a fine from the local council.
Check More: Birmingham School Holidays and Term Dates
Easter Holiday and Good Friday dates
The Easter school holidays are a moving feast! The holidays run from late March to mid-April. It is worth noting that Good Friday is a public holiday but falls within the school break, meaning it doesn’t extend the school holiday but does affect business and bank schedules. Always check these dates when booking city breaks or visiting family.
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 HolidaysPlan Family Holiday during School Break
To successfully plan family holiday during school break, you need to be organized.
- Book Early: Flights and hotels during the UK school holidays spike in price the closer you get.
- Consider Direct Deals: Look for “kids go free” offers specifically tied to UK Public Holidays and school breaks.
- Stay Flexible: If possible, book the first week of the Summer holidays or the last week, as prices can vary significantly even within the same break.
Explore Other Holidays:
- UK School Holidays
- England School Holidays
- Scotland School Holidays
- Wales School Holidays
- Northern Ireland School Holidays
- UK Public Holidays
FAQs
Can I take my child on holiday during term time?
No, not without permission. You must request approval from the head teacher before booking any trip.
Do I need head teacher permission for a day off?
Yes. Any absence during term time, even for a single day, requires approval from the head teacher.
Are school fines issued by the school or the council?
The local council typically issues the fine, but the school reports the unauthorised absence to them.
What is considered “exceptional circumstances” for term time leave?
This is at the head teacher’s discretion but usually includes funerals or significant family events, not standard family holidays.
Do inset days count towards school holiday dates?
No. Inset days are training days for staff and are term time for attendance purposes, though children do not attend.
How many school holidays are there in an England school year?
There are usually 6 main breaks, though the Summer holidays is one long block and the Christmas/Spring breaks are split.
Can grandparents take children out of school?
No. Permission must be granted by the parent/guardian to the school, and the request must come from the registered parent.
Useful Resources
For the definitive guide on term time rules and attendance, refer to the official government guidance.