There are 6 main Derry School Holidays during the academic year, including autumn, Christmas, spring, Easter, and summer breaks, along with mid-term holidays. These dates follow the school calendar set for Northern Ireland, with some variations between schools.
This page provides the full list of term dates, explains how mid-term breaks are structured, and highlights how school holidays align with regional public holidays.
Derry School Holidays 2025/2026
This school year planner covers everything from the autumn half term to the summer break start.
| Event | Dates (inclusive) |
|---|---|
| Schools resume after summer holiday | 1 September 2025 |
| Halloween closure | 30 & 31 October 2025 |
| Christmas holidays | 22 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 |
| Mid-term break | 12 & 13 February 2026 |
| St Patrick’s Day school closure | 17 March 2026 |
| Easter holidays | 2 April to 10 April 2026 |
| May Day closure | 4 May 2026 |
| Spring bank holiday | 25 May 2026 |
| Summer holiday begins | 1 July 2026 |
Derry School Holidays 2026/2027
Here are the Derry School Holidays and term dates for the 2026/2027 academic year.
| Event | Dates (inclusive) |
|---|---|
| Schools resume after summer holiday | 1 September 2026 |
| Halloween closure | 29 & 30 October 2026 |
| Christmas break | 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 |
| Mid-term break | 11 & 12 February 2027 |
| St Patrick’s Day school closure | 17 March 2027 |
| Easter holidays | 25 March to 2 April 2027 |
| May Day closure | 3 May 2027 |
| Spring bank holiday | 31 May 2027 |
| Summer holiday begins | 1 July 2027 |
Check more: Belfast School Holidays
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 TouchStaff Training Days in Derry
One thing that often catches parents off guard is the staff training days schools schedule. These are also known as inset days (in-service training).
While the dates above are the official school non-operational dates for all pupils, staff training and development days are handled differently. The Education Authority Northern Ireland grants each school the flexibility to schedule five school development days per year. This means the dates can vary significantly from one school to the next.
Understanding School Discretion & Development Days
The term school discretion is key to understanding your child’s exact schedule. Although the main academic calendar and bank holidays are standardized, individual school circumstances often lead to variations.
Schools use their discretionary power to set school development days. These are pupil holidays where staff engage in professional training. Because of individual school circumstances, your child might have a day off that is not listed on the master calendar above. The best approach is to always cross-reference the master school year planner with your specific school’s newsletter or website.
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: Northern Ireland School Holidays
FAQs
Do all Derry schools have the same term dates?
Yes, for the main holidays. All Derry schools follow the same school term dates for closures like Christmas, Easter, and bank holidays, as set by the Education Authority.
What are staff training days?
They are inset days where teachers undergo professional development. Schools use their school discretion to schedule these, meaning your child does not attend school on those specific days.
Are the dates listed inclusive?
Yes. The dates provided are inclusive dates. If a break is listed from 21 December to 1 January, the school is closed on both the 21st and the 1st.
Why do schools have a mid-term break in February?
The mid-term break in February serves as a spring half term, giving pupils and staff a short rest during the long period between the Christmas break and Easter holidays.
Where can I find my specific school’s development days?
You will need to check your school’s website or contact the office directly, as individual school circumstances determine the exact school closing dates for training.
Useful Resources
For the most accurate dates, always check the official council website.