There are 6 main UK School Holidays during the academic year, including autumn, Christmas, spring, Easter, and summer breaks, plus half-term holidays. The typical academic year includes approximately 90 school days per term, spread across several key breaks.
Exact dates vary by local authority and nation, making it essential to check your area’s official calendar before planning. This complete page to UK School Holidays outlines typical term dates, explains regional differences across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and highlights how school calendars align with public holidays.
When do schools go back in 2026?
Most students across the UK will return to school in late August or early September 2026, depending on their region:
- England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: Schools typically resume during the first week of September 2026. The exact date is usually 1 or 2 September, though some schools exercise school discretion to start earlier or later.
- Scotland: Scottish pupils often return earlier, with many schools reopening in mid-to-late August 2026. Some Scottish local authorities begin as early as 12–14 August.
Always confirm with your specific school, as dates can vary by council to council.
UK School Holidays for the 2026/2027 Academic Year
The table below provides a standard overview of the main school break periods across the UK for the 2026/2027 academic year. Note that these are general patterns; regional and local variations apply.
| Holiday Name | Typical Start Date | Typical End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term | Late October 2026 | Late October 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | Mid-December 2026 | Early January 2027 |
| Spring Half Term | Mid-February 2027 | Mid-February 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | Late March/Early April 2027 | Mid-April 2027 |
| Summer Half Term | Late May/Early June 2027 | Late May/Early June 2027 |
| Summer Holidays | Late July 2027 | Early September 2027 |
Key Differences: England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland
One of the most important things to understand about UK School Holidays is that they are not uniform across the country. Each nation manages its own education system, leading to significant variations:
- England: Follows a standard pattern of three terms with half-term breaks in October, February, and May/June. Local holidays like the Early May bank holiday affect school closures.
- Scotland: Has a unique system with “Mid-term” breaks rather than “Half-term.” Scottish pupils have a longer summer break (typically early July to mid-August) and observe national holidays like St. Andrew’s Day.
- Wales: Similar to England but may have different dates for Spring bank holiday and half-term weeks. Some Welsh schools close for local patron saints’ days.
- Northern Ireland: Includes unique closures for Halloween (often a two-day break) and St. Patrick’s Day (17 March), which are non-operational dates for schools.
Understanding these regional differences is crucial for expat parents and families relocating within the UK.
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Get in TouchDetailed 2026/2027 School Holiday Dates by Region
School Holiday Dates for England 2026/2027
School holidays in England typically follow this pattern. Always verify with your local council.
| Holiday | Estimated Start | Estimated End |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term | 26 October 2026 | 30 October 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | 21 December 2026 | 4 January 2027 |
| Spring Half Term | 15 February 2027 | 19 February 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | 29 March 2027 | 9 April 2027 |
| Summer Half Term | 31 May 2027 | 4 June 2027 |
| Summer Holidays | 23 July 2027 | 1 September 2027 |
School Holiday Dates for Scotland 2026/2027
School holidays in Scotland use different terminology and have distinct timings.
| Holiday | Estimated Start | Estimated End |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Mid-Term | 12 October 2026 | 16 October 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | 21 December 2026 | 5 January 2027 |
| Spring Mid-Term | 15 February 2027 | 19 February 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | 2 April 2027 | 16 April 2027 |
| Summer Mid-Term | 24 May 2027 | 28 May 2027 |
| Summer Holidays | 2 July 2027 | 13 August 2027 |
School Holiday Dates for Wales 2026/2027
School holidays in Wales closely mirror England but may shift by a week.
| Holiday | Estimated Start | Estimated End |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term | 26 October 2026 | 30 October 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | 21 December 2026 | 4 January 2027 |
| Spring Half Term | 15 February 2027 | 19 February 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | 29 March 2027 | 9 April 2027 |
| Summer Half Term | 31 May 2027 | 4 June 2027 |
| Summer Holidays | 23 July 2027 | 1 September 2027 |
School Holiday Dates for Northern Ireland 2026/2027
School holidays in Northern Ireland include unique dates like Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day.
| Holiday | Estimated Start | Estimated End |
|---|---|---|
| Halloween Break | 29 October 2026 | 30 October 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | 21 December 2026 | 4 January 2027 |
| Spring Mid-Term | 15 February 2027 | 16 February 2027 |
| St. Patrick’s Day | 17 March 2027 | 17 March 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | 2 April 2027 | 10 April 2027 |
| Summer Holidays | 1 July 2027 | 31 August 2027 |
Public and Bank Holidays Affecting Schools in 2027
Public Holidays UK and Bank Holidays directly impact the school calendar, as schools are typically closed on these dates. Key 2027 dates affecting schools include:
| Holiday | Date | Regions Affected | School Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2027 | UK-wide | New Year’s Day school closure |
| Good Friday | 26 March 2027 | UK-wide | Good Friday school closure |
| Early May Bank Holiday | 3 May 2027 | UK-wide | Early May bank holiday school closure |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 31 May 2027 | UK-wide | Spring bank holiday school closure |
| Summer Bank Holiday | 30 August 2027 | UK (excl. Scotland) | Summer bank holiday school closure |
| St. Patrick’s Day | 17 March 2027 | Northern Ireland only | School closure in NI |
| St. Andrew’s Day | 30 November 2027 | Scotland only | School closure in Scotland |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2027 | UK-wide | Christmas Day Boxing Day school closure period |
| Boxing Day | 26 December 2027 | UK-wide | Part of extended break |
What to do during school holidays UK
Keeping children entertained during the school break requires planning. Here are popular options for UK families:
- Holiday Clubs: Many schools and private providers run activity clubs during half-term and summer holidays.
- Museums and Galleries: Most UK national museums offer free entry and have dedicated kids’ activities.
- Outdoor Adventures: Explore national parks, beaches, and forests. The UK is rich in family-friendly walking trails.
- Staycations: Plan a family trip within the UK. Popular destinations include Cornwall, the Lake District, and Scottish Highlands.
- Library Programs: Local libraries often run summer reading challenges and craft sessions.
- Sports Camps: Football, tennis, and swimming camps are widely available during longer breaks.
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 HolidaysTips for Parents: Managing Work and School Breaks
Balancing your work schedule with the school calendar can be challenging. Here are practical tips:
- Plan Early: As soon as your school releases the term dates for the next academic year, mark all holidays and inset days on your family calendar.
- Share Childcare: Team up with other parents to share the school run and childcare during holidays.
- Explore Holiday Clubs: Book early for popular holiday clubs, as spaces fill up quickly.
- Check Employer Policies: Many UK employers now offer flexible working or holiday play schemes. Discuss your needs with your HR department.
- Consider Au Pairs or Nannies: For younger children, childcare options like nannies or au pairs can provide in-home flexibility.
- Use Annual Leave Wisely: Stretch your annual leave by aligning it with bank holidays to create longer breaks without using too many days.
Explore Other Holidays:
- UK School Holidays
- England School Holidays
- UK Public Holidays
- UK Public Holidays 2026
- Easter Holidays UK
Navigating the UK School Holidays and Term Dates for the academic year doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re planning family vacations, arranging childcare options, or simply trying to sync your work schedule with the school calendar, knowing the key dates for school holidays in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland is essential.
FAQs
How many weeks of school holiday are there in the UK?
UK students typically receive around 13 weeks of school holiday per academic year, including summer (6 weeks), Christmas (2 weeks), Easter (2 weeks), and three half-term breaks (1 week each).
Are bank holidays always school holidays?
Yes, most bank holidays fall within existing school holiday periods or are designated school closure days. Schools are always closed on bank holidays as they are statutory holidays.
Do all UK schools have the same term dates?
No, term dates vary significantly by region (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) and even by local council. Always check with your specific school.
What are inset days?
Inset days (also called staff training days) are non-operational dates when teachers receive training and pupils do not attend school. These dates vary by school.
Why do Scottish school holidays differ from England?
Scotland has a separate education system with different traditions, including longer summer holidays and different term structures, reflecting its unique cultural and national identity.
How can I find my local school’s exact holiday dates?
Check your local council’s education website or your child’s school website. Both publish official term dates, often years in advance.
What happens if a bank holiday falls during school term?
The school will be closed on that day. If a bank holiday falls within a term, it effectively creates an extra day off for students.
Are private school holidays the same as state schools?
Not always. Private schools often have different term dates and may have longer holidays or additional half-term breaks. Always confirm with your independent school.
When is the Easter school holiday in 2027?
Easter school holidays in 2027 typically run from late March to mid-April. Most schools in England and Wales will be closed from 29 March to 9 April 2027.
Useful Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information for UK School Holidays, always consult official sources: