There are 5 main Scotland School Holidays during the academic year, including autumn, Christmas, spring, and summer breaks, along with shorter mid-term holidays. Dates vary by local authority, and Scotland’s school calendar often differs from other UK nations.
This complete page to Scotland School Holidays outlines typical term dates, explains regional variations, and highlights how school breaks align with Scottish public holidays.
Scotland School Holidays: Full Term Dates
Scotland School Holidays for 2026
The Scotland school holidays for 2026 follow the traditional pattern, with pupils resume dates typically falling in mid-August. Below are the holiday dates Scotland based on common council patterns.
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| February half term | Monday 16 February 2026 | Friday 20 February 2026 |
| Good Friday Holiday | Friday 3 April 2026 | Friday 3 April 2026 |
| Easter holidays | Monday 6 April 2026 | Friday 17 April 2026 |
| May Day Holiday | Monday 4 May 2026 | Monday 4 May 2026 |
| May Weekend (varies) | Friday 22 May 2026 | Monday 25 May 2026 |
| Summer holidays | Monday 29 June 2026 | Mid-August 2026 |
| October half term | Monday 12 October 2026 | Friday 16 October 2026 |
| St Andrew’s Day | Monday 30 November 2026 | Monday 30 November 2026 |
| Christmas holidays | Monday 21 December 2026 | Monday 4 January 2027 |
Scotland School Holidays for 2027
In 2027, the Scotland term dates include a later Easter, affecting the spring term and summer term start dates. Here are the key Scotland school holidays 2027.
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| February half term | Monday 15 February 2027 | Friday 19 February 2027 |
| Good Friday Holiday | Friday 26 March 2027 | Friday 26 March 2027 |
| Easter holidays | Monday 29 March 2027 | Friday 9 April 2027 |
| May Day Holiday | Monday 3 May 2027 | Monday 3 May 2027 |
| May Weekend (varies) | Friday 28 May 2027 | Monday 31 May 2027 |
| Summer holidays | Friday 25 June 2027 | Mid-August 2027 |
| October half term | Monday 11 October 2027 | Friday 15 October 2027 |
| Christmas holidays | Wednesday 22 December 2027 | Tuesday 4 January 2028 |
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Get in TouchScotland School Holidays for 2028
Looking ahead to 2028, the Scotland school holidays schedule shifts again. Use this table for long-term planning.
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| February half term | Monday 14 February 2028 | Friday 18 February 2028 |
| Easter holidays | Monday 3 April 2028 | Monday 17 April 2028 |
| May Day Holiday | Monday 1 May 2028 | Monday 1 May 2028 |
| May Weekend (varies) | Friday 26 May 2028 | Monday 29 May 2028 |
| Summer holidays | Wednesday 28 June 2028 | Mid-August 2028 |
| October half term | Monday 9 October 2028 | Friday 13 October 2028 |
| Christmas holidays | Friday 22 December 2028 | Early January 2029 |
Understanding the Scottish School Year
The Scottish school year structure is distinct from the rest of the UK. It typically runs from mid-August to late June, encompassing three main terms: autumn term, spring term (sometimes called winter/spring), and summer term.
A key feature is the inclusion of in service days, also known as school inset days Scotland or teacher training days Scotland. These are days when staff resume but pupils resume later, meaning schools closed for students. Most councils schedule five in service days per year.
Key Public and Casual Holidays in Scotland
Beyond standard school breaks, Scotland observes unique Scottish public holidays that affect school closures. The most notable is the St Andrew’s Day school holiday (30 November), which is a statutory holiday in some councils. The May Day holiday Scotland schools observe is usually the first Monday in May. Other bank holidays, like the late May bank holiday, are often incorporated into mid-term holidays or taken as single days off.
Many councils also grant a day off for local festival events, such as the Linlithgow Marches or local trades fortnights. These casual holidays mean that when do Scottish schools go back after a break can differ even between neighbouring towns.
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 HolidaysPlanning Family Holidays Around Scottish Term Dates
Planning school holidays around Scotland term dates requires foresight, especially since Scottish school holidays don’t always align with English bank holidays. A key tip is to remember that February half term and October half term are often single-week breaks, making them ideal for short UK breaks. The Easter holidays usually span two weeks, offering a good window for travel abroad. Because prices spike during these periods, booking early is wise.
Always cross-reference with your council’s term and holiday calendar before booking to avoid clashes with school inset days Scotland or unexpected Scottish school closure dates.
Scottish School Holidays by Council Area
It’s important to note that each of the 32 Scottish council areas sets its own school holidays Scotland. While the pattern is consistent, exact dates for February half term or October half term can vary by a week. For example, Glasgow’s dates may differ from those in the Scottish Borders. For precise planning, always consult your local council’s website.
Explore Other Holidays:
- UK School Holidays
- England School Holidays
- Scotland School Holidays
- Wales School Holidays
- Northern Ireland School Holidays
- UK Public Holidays
- UK Public Holidays 2026
- Easter Holidays UK
FAQs
When do Scottish schools go back in 2026?
Pupils typically resume in mid-August 2026, with the exact date varying by council. For example, some councils start on 12 August, while others start on 19 August.
Does Scotland have a February half term?
Yes, most Scottish councils have a February half term break. In 2026, it commonly runs from 16-20 February.
What is a “casual holiday” in Scottish schools?
Casual holidays are additional days off granted by local councils, often aligning with a local festival or traditional event in that area.
Is St Andrew’s Day a school holiday in Scotland?
It can be. St Andrew’s Day school holiday (30 November) is observed by some, but not all, Scottish council areas. It is marked as a day when schools closed in several regions.
How many in-service days do Scottish schools have?
Most schools have five in service days (or school inset days Scotland) per academic year for teacher training days Scotland. On these days, staff resume work, but pupils resume later, so schools closed for children.
When is the last day of school in Scotland for summer 2027?
The last day of school Scotland for summer 2027 is typically around late June. Glasgow City Council, for example, has schools closing on 25 June 2027.
Where can I find my exact Scottish term dates?
For the most accurate school term dates Scotland, visit your specific Scottish council areas website or use the Scottish Government’s online finder.
Useful Resources
Visit the official Scottish Borders Council website 🡵
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