There are 5 main East Lothian School Holidays during the academic session, including the October half term, Christmas break, Easter break, May Day holiday, and summer holiday period. This page to East Lothian School Holidays brings together the latest East Lothian term dates across the Autumn term, Spring term, and Summer term, making key dates easy to find.
For practical planning, this page covers In-service day, Staff training days, pupil holidays, and school closure dates published for the East Lothian local authority.
East Lothian School Holidays 2026/2027
Here are the East Lothian school holidays for the 2026-2027 academic year.
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Wednesday 12 August 2026 | Friday 9 October 2026 |
| Term 2 | Tuesday 20 October 2026 | Tuesday 22 December 2026 |
| Term 3 | Wednesday 6 January 2027 | Friday 12 February 2027 |
| Term 4 | Monday 22 February 2027 | Friday 2 April 2027 |
| Term 5 | Tuesday 20 April 2027 | Friday 21 May 2027 |
| Term 6 | Tuesday 25 May 2027 | Tuesday 29 June 2027 |
East Lothian School Holidays 2027/2028
East Lothian Council has published draft school session dates for 2027/2028 and 2028/2029, which are currently under consultation. These dates have been developed to align with established school term patterns in East Lothian and neighbouring authorities.
To stay up-to-date with the approved East Lothian school holidays 2027/2028, check the East Lothian Council website following the Education & Children’s Services Committee meeting on 9 June 2026, when the dates are expected to be approved.
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East Lothian In-Service Days
In-service days, also known as staff training days, are school closure dates when pupils do not attend. In East Lothian, these are allocated as part of the national teachers’ pay agreements and to support collaborative working.
- In-service days are typically scheduled around public holidays and term boundaries
- East Lothian Council works with neighbouring authorities through the South East Improvement Collaborative to align in-service days where possible
- Some in-service days may be used to support networking and collaborative activities across local authorities
For a complete list of East Lothian in-service days for the 2026/2027 session, please refer to the official East Lothian Council education resources.
School-Specific Date Variations
Many academies and free schools have the flexibility to set their own term dates, so it is always recommended to confirm the exact schedule with your child’s school. East Lothian Council provides links to individual school websites for this purpose.
Key points to note:
- School-specific dates may differ from the council-approved schedule
- Confirm with your child’s school for the most accurate dates
- Check the school’s website or contact the school directly for term start and end dates, in-service days, and 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 HolidaysAlso Check: Glasgow School Holidays
FAQs
Are school dates different for academies and free schools?
Yes, academies and free schools may set their own term dates, so it’s best to check directly with your child’s school.
How many in-service days do East Lothian schools have?
East Lothian schools have a statutory requirement for five in-service days per academic session.
What should I do if I’m planning a family holiday?
Check the school holiday dates against term times to avoid school closure dates and planning family holidays during school breaks.
What happens if my child’s school sets different term dates?
Yes, some schools may vary from the council schedule, so always confirm directly with your school for the most accurate dates.
What are the term patterns for East Lothian schools?
East Lothian follows a six-term pattern, with breaks spread across Autumn, Spring, and Summer terms.
Useful Resources
For the official term dates and holidays, always check the Council website.