South Ayrshire School Holidays follow a structured academic calendar shaped by South Ayrshire Council. With 190 teaching days per year, understanding school term dates helps families plan ahead. From pupil return dates to half term breaks, this page covers everything you need for smooth school year planning.

South Ayrshire School Holidays 2025/2026
Below are the official South Ayrshire School Holidays and term dates for 2025/2026.
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| First term | |
| 18 August 2025 | Inservice day |
| 19 August 2025 | Inservice day |
| 20 August 2025 | Pupils return |
| 19 September 2025 – 22 September 2025 | Schools closed |
| 13 October 2025 – 17 October 2025 | Schools closed |
| 20 October 2025 | Inservice day |
| 21 October 2025 | Pupils return |
| 22 December 2025 – 2 January 2026 | Schools closed |
| Second Term | |
| 05 January 2026 | Pupils return |
| 6 February 2026 – 9 February 2026 | Schools closed |
| 10 February 2026 | Inservice day |
| 11 February 2026 | Pupils return |
| Third Term | |
| 3 April 2026 – 17 April 2026 | Schools closed |
| 20 April 2026 | Pupils return |
| 04 May 2026 | Schools closed |
| 05 May 2026 | Pupils return |
| 07 May 2026 | Inservice day |
| 08 May 2026 | Pupils return |
| 25 May 2026 | Schools closed |
| 30 June 2026 | last day of term for pupils and staff |
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Get in TouchSouth Ayrshire School Holidays 2026/2027
Below are the official South Ayrshire School Holidays and term dates for 2026 to 2027.
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| First term | |
| 18 August 2026 | Inservice day |
| 19 August 2026 | Inservice day |
| 20 August 2026 | Pupils return |
| 18 September 2026 – 21 September 2026 | Schools closed |
| 12 October 2026 – 16 October 2026 | Schools closed |
| 19 October 2026 | Inservice day |
| 20 October 2026 | Pupils return |
| 23 December 2026 – 4 January 2027 | Schools closed |
| Second Term | |
| 05 January 2027 | Pupils return |
| 12 February 2027 – 15 February 2027 | Schools closed |
| 16 February 2027 | Inservice day |
| 17 February 2027 | Pupils return |
| Third Term | |
| 26 March 2027 – 9 April 2027 | Schools closed |
| 12 April 2027 | Pupils return |
| 03 May 2027 | Schools closed |
| 04 May 2027 | Pupils return |
| 06 May 2027 | Inservice day |
| 07 May 2027 | Pupils return |
| 28 May 2027 – 31 May 2027 | Schools closed |
| 30 June 2027 | last day of term for pupils and staff |
These dates apply to all South Ayrshire Council schools, including early years centre term dates and special schools.
Check More: Scotland School 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 HolidaysINSET Days & Staff Training in South Ayrshire
Inservice days (staff training days) are essential for professional development aligned with the Curriculum for Excellence and guidance from Education Scotland. These days mean schools are closed to pupils, so it’s important to note them for childcare planning.
Inservice Days 2026/27:
- 18 August 2026
- 19 August 2026
- 19 October 2026
- 16 February 2027
- 6 May 2027
Parents should mark these school closed dates in their calendar to manage holiday entitlement and school administration tasks accordingly.
Key Dates for Early Years Centres and Nurseries
| Key Consideration | Detail |
|---|---|
| Closures | Early years centres close on the same inservice days and public holidays as schools. |
| Registration | Nursery term dates align with school session dates. Contact your preferred centre for enrolment. |
| Parental Guidance | Speak with your nursery manager if you require additional care during school closures. |
Also Check: Fife School Holidays
FAQs
Do early years centres close on inservice days?
Yes, most early years centres and nurseries close on inservice days as staff participate in training.
How many school holidays are there in South Ayrshire?
There are approximately 12 weeks of school holidays across the year, including summer break, Christmas holidays, spring break, and mid-term breaks.
Are secondary school holidays different from primary in South Ayrshire?
No, secondary school holidays and primary school term dates are the same across all council-controlled schools.
Where can I find the official South Ayrshire school calendar?
The official school calendar is published by South Ayrshire Council. You can also bookmark this page for the latest updates.
What are the October break dates for South Ayrshire schools?
The October break runs from 12 October to 16 October 2026, with schools reopening on 19 October after an inservice day.
Useful Resources
For the Official term dates and school information, always refer to the local authority.