Planning family life around the academic calendar in Northern Ireland requires knowing not just the Easter and summer breaks, but also those tricky inset days. Here is your complete page to the Belfast school holidays, covering mid-term breaks, bank holidays like May Day and Spring Bank Holiday, and those essential teacher training days for the upcoming years.
Belfast School Holidays 2025/2026
The table below lists the Belfast school holidays and term dates for the 2025/2026 academic year.
| Event | Dates (Inclusive) |
|---|---|
| Schools resume after summer holiday | 1 September 2025 |
| Halloween | 30 & 31 October 2025 |
| Christmas and New Year | 22 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 |
| Mid-term break | 12 & 13 February 2026 |
| St Patrick’s Day | 17 March 2026 |
| Easter | 26 March to 3 April 2026 |
| May Day | 4 May 2026 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May 2026 |
| Summer holiday begins | 1 July 2026 |
Belfast School Holidays 2026/2027
Here are the confirmed Belfast school holidays and term dates for the 2026/2027 school year.
| Event | Dates (Inclusive) |
|---|---|
| Schools resume after summer holiday | 1 September 2026 |
| Halloween | 29 & 30 October 2026 |
| Christmas and New Year | 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 |
| Mid-term break | 11 & 12 February 2027 |
| St Patrick’s Day | 17 March 2027 |
| Easter | 25 March to 2 April 2027 |
| May Day | 3 May 2027 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 31 May 2027 |
| Summer holiday begins | 1 July 2027 |
Check more: UK School Holidays
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Beyond the main breaks, Belfast schools observe several other bank holidays and term breaks that parents should note for the academic calendar. Here is the full list of observances:
- St Patrick’s Day
- Easter Monday
- May Day (Early May)
- Spring Bank Holiday (Late May)
- July 12th (Orangemen’s Day)
- Summer holiday
Understanding School Closure Days (Inset Days)
You might see “school closed” on your calendar even when it’s not a public holiday. These are often inset days (also known as teacher training days or school development days). During these days, pupils do not attend school while teachers undergo training. These dates differ from school-to-school, so it’s vital to check your specific school’s website, as they are not always uniform across Belfast.
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 HolidaysChildcare Options During School Closures
Finding care during school closure days and the long summer break can be stressful. Here are a few options used by local parents:
- Holiday Clubs: Many leisure centres and community groups in Belfast run activity camps during Easter, Halloween, and the summer.
- Childminders: Registered childminders often offer “wrap-around” care for term breaks and inset days.
- Shared Care: Swapping playdates with other parents can be a cost-effective way to cover odd days where pupil attendance is not required.
Also Check: Northern Ireland School Holidays
FAQs
Are school holidays the same for every school in Belfast?
No. While the Department of Education NI sets the framework, schools can vary inset days and mid-term breaks to suit their individual circumstances.
When is the longest school holiday in Belfast?
The summer holiday. It typically begins on 1 July and ends in late August or early September.
What are ‘inset days’ in Northern Ireland?
They are staff training days schools use for planning and development. Pupils do not attend school on these days.
Does the July 12th holiday affect school dates?
Yes. While it usually falls within the summer break, it is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland and is factored into the academic calendar.
Where can I find my school’s exact term dates?
Always check your specific school’s website or newsletter, as they publish their finalised term dates and school closure days.
Useful Resources
For the most accurate dates, always check the official council website.
Check the official Department of Education NI website🡵
UK Public Holidays: For all UK Bank Holidays and UK School Holidays.