There are 6 main Durham School Holidays during the academic year, including summer, autumn half-term, Christmas, spring half-term, Easter, may day, and summer half-term breaks. Official Durham term dates generally include 193 school days, while staff may attend up to 195 school days because of PD days (professional development days) and training requirements.
This page to Durham School Holidays explains schedules for maintained schools, aided schools, and academies, including important details such as the closing date, date re-opens, and possible term-time closures. Since some schools set different training days, parents should always check with your school and review the official school website for the latest updates.
Durham School Holidays 2025/2026
Below are the official Durham school holidays for the academic year 2025/2026.
| Holiday | Closing Date | Date Re-opens |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | Friday 18 July 2025 | Tuesday 2 September 2025 |
| Autumn half-term 2025 | Friday 24 October 2025 | Monday 3 November 2025 |
| Christmas 2025 | Friday 19 December 2025 | Monday 5 January 2026 |
| Spring half-term 2026 | Friday 20 February 2026 | Monday 2 March 2026 |
| Easter 2026 | Thursday 2 April 2026 | Monday 20 April 2026 |
| May Day 2026 | Friday 1 May 2026 | Tuesday 5 May 2026 |
| Summer half-term 2026 | Friday 22 May 2026 | Monday 1 June 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | Monday 20 July 2026 | (see 2026/27 table) |
Durham School Holidays 2026/2027
Below are the official Durham school holidays for the academic year 2026/2027.
| Holiday | Closing Date | Date Re-opens |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2026 | Monday 20 July 2026 | Tuesday 1 September 2026 |
| Autumn half-term 2026 | Friday 23 October 2026 | Monday 2 November 2026 |
| Christmas 2026 | Friday 18 December 2026 | Monday 4 January 2027 |
| Spring half-term 2027 | Friday 12 February 2027 | Monday 22 February 2027 |
| Easter 2027 | Thursday 25 March 2027 | Monday 12 April 2027 |
| May Day 2027 | Friday 30 April 2027 | Tuesday 4 May 2027 |
| Summer half-term 2027 | Friday 28 May 2027 | Monday 7 June 2027 |
| Summer 2027 | Wednesday 21 July 2027 | (see 2027/28 table) |
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Durham School Holidays 2027/2028
Below are the official Durham school term dates for the academic year 2027/2028.
| Holiday | Closing Date | Date Re-opens |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2027 | Wednesday 21 July 2027 | Wednesday 1 September 2027 |
| Autumn half-term 2027 | Friday 22 October 2027 | Monday 1 November 2027 |
| Christmas 2027 | Friday 17 December 2027 | Tuesday 4 January 2028 |
| Spring half-term 2028 | Friday 11 February 2028 | Monday 21 February 2028 |
| Easter 2028 | Friday 7 April 2028 | Monday 24 April 2028 |
| May Day 2028 | Friday 28 April 2028 | Tuesday 2 May 2028 |
| Summer half-term 2028 | Friday 26 May 2028 | Monday 5 June 2028 |
| Summer 2028 | Thursday 20 July 2028 | — |
Teacher Training Days (PD Days) in Durham
Teacher training days (also called PD days – professional development days) are not fixed county-wide.
- 2025/26: Schools close for 3 PD days during term-time closures + 2 PD days taken as twilight sessions or during school holidays.
- 2026/27 & 2027/28: Up to 5 PD days per year.
Because of individual school decisions, aided schools and academies may choose different dates. Your best bet? Check with your school or visit their school website.
How Many School Days in the Durham Academic Year?
| Academic Year | Total School Days | PD Days Included |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | 193 school days | 3 in term-time + 2 twilight/holiday |
| 2026/27 | 195 school days | Up to 5 (school decides) |
| 2027/28 | 195 school days | Up to 5 (school decides) |
These figures match Durham County Council school holidays guidance. Remember: these are recommended dates. Always verify with your child’s school.
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 HolidaysAlso Check: Nottinghamshire School Holidays
FAQs
Do aided schools follow Durham term dates?
No. Aided schools and academies can set different dates. Always check your school’s website.
Are twilight sessions counted as PD days?
Yes. Twilight sessions count toward the five PD days allowed per academic year.
What’s the difference between closing date and date re-opens?
Closing date = last day of school before a holiday. Date re-opens = first day back.
Where can I find my school’s exact term dates?
Check your school’s website or call the office. Individual school decisions vary widely.
Do Durham schools close for May Day?
Yes. Schools close the Friday before May Day and reopen the Tuesday after.
Useful Resources
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Official council.