Planning your family calendar? There are 6 main Essex School Holidays during the academic year, including autumn, Christmas, spring, Easter, and summer breaks, along with half-term holidays. These dates follow the school calendar set by Essex County Council, with slight variations possible between schools.
Whether you are planning family travel, arranging childcare, or organising annual leave, this overview of Essex School Holidays offers clear and practical information to help you manage the school year effectively.
Essex School Holidays 2025/2026
Below are the official Essex School Holidays and term dates for community and voluntary controlled schools in Essex for the academic year 2025/2026.
| Term | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term (Term 1) | Monday 1 September 2025 | Friday 24 October 2025 |
| Autumn Half Term | Monday 27 October 2025 | Friday 31 October 2025 |
| Autumn Term (Term 2) | Monday 3 November 2025 | Friday 19 December 2025 |
| Christmas Holidays | Monday 22 December 2025 | Friday 2 January 2026 |
| Spring Term (Term 3) | Monday 5 January 2026 | Friday 13 February 2026 |
| Spring Half Term | Monday 16 February 2026 | Friday 20 February 2026 |
| Spring Term (Term 4) | Monday 23 February 2026 | Friday 27 March 2026 |
| Easter Holidays | Monday 30 March 2026 | Friday 10 April 2026 |
| Summer Term (Term 5) | Monday 13 April 2026 | Friday 22 May 2026 |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday 4 May 2026 | Monday 4 May 2026 |
| Summer Half Term | Monday 25 May 2026 | Friday 29 May 2026 |
| Summer Term (Term 6) | Monday 1 June 2026 | Monday 20 July 2026 |
| Summer Holidays | Tuesday 21 July 2026 | Monday 31 August 2026 |
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 TouchEssex School Holidays 2026/2027
For families planning further ahead, here are the Essex school holidays and term dates for the 2026/2027 academic year.
| Term | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term (Term 1) | Tuesday 1 September 2026 | Friday 23 October 2026 |
| Autumn Half Term | Monday 26 October 2026 | Friday 30 October 2026 |
| Autumn Term (Term 2) | Monday 2 November 2026 | Friday 18 December 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | Monday 21 December 2026 | Friday 1 January 2027 |
| Spring Term (Term 3) | Monday 4 January 2027 | Friday 12 February 2027 |
| Spring Half Term | Monday 15 February 2027 | Friday 19 February 2027 |
| Spring Term (Term 4) | Monday 22 February 2027 | Friday 26 March 2027 |
| Good Friday & Easter Monday | Friday 26 March 2027 | Monday 29 March 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | Tuesday 30 March 2027 | Friday 9 April 2027 |
| Summer Term (Term 5) | Monday 12 April 2027 | Friday 28 May 2027 |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday 3 May 2027 | Monday 3 May 2027 |
| Summer Half Term | Monday 31 May 2027 | Friday 4 June 2027 |
| Summer Term (Term 6) | Monday 7 June 2027 | Wednesday 21 July 2027 |
| Summer Holidays | Thursday 22 July 2027 | Tuesday 31 August 2027 |
Check More: England School Holidays
INSET Days & Staff Training in Essex
You may notice your child’s school opening times differ from the official term dates. That’s often due to staff training days—sometimes called INSET days.
In Essex, community schools and voluntary controlled schools typically schedule five staff training days across the academic year. These are school closure dates dedicated to teacher development and curriculum planning.
Because INSET days vary by school, your child’s term start dates or term end dates may shift slightly. Always confirm school attendance days directly with your child’s school, especially if you’re comparing academies or foundation schools, which set their own pupil holidays.
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 HolidaysAttendance Rules: Taking Holidays in Term Time
Planning a family getaway? It’s important to know the rules around term time absence.
In Essex, as across the UK, you must get headteacher permission before taking your child out of school during term time. Local authority holidays follow strict guidelines—unauthorised term time absence can result in a penalty notice.
Headteachers only grant approval in exceptional circumstances. Routine family holidays during school holidays—such as summer holidays, Christmas holidays, or half term—are expected to be taken within the published Essex school calendar.
Also Check: Norfolk School Holidays
FAQs
Are term dates different for academies in Essex?
Yes. Academies, foundation schools, and voluntary-aided schools set their own dates, so they may differ from the local authority calendar.
How many school days are there in an academic year?
There are 195 school days. Schools also have five INSET days for staff training.
Can I take my child on holiday during term time?
Only with headteacher permission, granted in exceptional circumstances. Routine holidays should be taken during published school holidays.
What are INSET days?
INSET stands for “in-service training.” These are school closure days used for staff training and development.
Where can I find bank holiday dates?
Visit GOV.UK for official UK bank holiday dates, which can affect school opening times.
Useful Resources
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Official council websites.