Do you need a brief look at Dorset school holidays? This is the right place for you. Dorset Council sets the academic year, but each school selects its INSET days, or staff development days. The information implies that term dates may change a little.
The whole school calendar for the fall, spring, and summer terms is provided here, along with the Easter, Christmas, and summer breaks as well as all of the major bank holidays, such as Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. School closures are also impacted by these public holidays in England. Let’s organize your planning.
Staying informed about the official Dorset School holidays and term dates helps parents organise childcare, family travel, and work schedules with ease.
Dorset School Holidays 2025/2026
This academic year runs from September 2025 to August 2026. Below are the confirmed Dorset school holidays and term starts, term ends, and break dates.
Autumn Term 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn term starts | Monday 1 September 2025 |
| Autumn half term | Monday 27 October – Friday 31 October 2025 |
| Autumn term ends | Friday 19 December 2025 |
| Christmas holidays | Monday 22 December 2025 – Friday 2 January 2026 |
Spring Term 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Spring term starts | Monday 5 January 2026 |
| Spring half-term | Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February 2026 |
| Spring term ends | Friday 27 March 2026 |
| Easter holiday | Monday 30 March – Friday 10 April 2026 |
Summer Term 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Summer term starts | Monday 13 April 2026 |
| Summer half term | Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May 2026 |
| Summer term ends | Wednesday 22 July 2026 |
| Summer holidays | Thursday 23 July – Friday 28 August 2026 |
Bank Holidays (2025–2026)
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Boxing Day | Friday 26 December 2025 |
| New Year’s Day | Thursday 1 January 2026 |
| Good Friday | Friday 3 April 2026 |
| Easter Monday | Monday 6 April 2026 |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday 4 May 2026 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday 25 May 2026 |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday 31 August 2026 |
Find UK School Holidays by Council
Looking for official school holiday dates across the UK? Browse our complete guide to UK school holidays organised by council so you can quickly find accurate term dates and plan family activities with confidence.
Check more: Leeds School Holidays
Dorset School Holidays 2026/2027
Here are the confirmed Dorset school holidays for 2026/27. Here’s everything you need.
Autumn Term 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn term starts | Tuesday 1 September 2026 |
| Autumn half term | Monday 26 October – Friday 30 October 2026 |
| Autumn term ends | Friday 18 December 2026 |
| Christmas holidays | Monday 21 December 2026 – Friday 1 January 2027 |
Spring Term 2027
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Spring term starts | Monday 4 January 2027 |
| Spring half-term | Monday 15 February – Friday 19 February 2027 |
| Spring term ends | Thursday 25 March 2027 |
| Easter holiday | Tuesday 30 March – Friday 9 April 2027 |
Summer Term 2027
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Summer term starts | Monday 12 April 2027 |
| Summer half term | Tuesday 1 June – Friday 4 June 2027 |
| Summer term ends | Wednesday 21 July 2027 |
| Summer holidays | Thursday 22 July – Tuesday 31 August 2027 |
Bank Holidays (2026–2027)
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Boxing Day | Saturday 26 December 2026 |
| New Year’s Day | Friday 1 January 2027 |
| Good Friday | Friday 26 March 2027 |
| Easter Monday | Monday 29 March 2027 |
| May Day | Monday 3 May 2027 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday 31 May 2027 |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday 30 August 2027 |
School INSET / Staff Development Days
Here’s something most parents don’t realise until it’s too late. Dorset Council gives every school five staff development days (INSET days) per academic year. Schools choose their dates. That means your child’s school might close on a different Monday than the one down the road.
Always check your specific school’s website or call the office. Teacher training days aren’t listed on the main Dorset Council school dates page, but they absolutely affect your childcare plans.
Also Check: Staffordshire School Holidays
Have a Question About School Holiday Dates?
If you’ve spotted an issue, need clarification, or have a question about UK school holidays or term dates, feel free to get in touch with us.
Useful Resources
- Dorset Council:
- Find your school’s INSET days
Search “[your school name] term dates Dorset.”
- Find your school’s INSET days
FAQs
Do all Dorset schools follow the same term dates?
Yes, mostly. But staff development days (INSET days) vary by school, so always double-check with your child’s school.
Is Good Friday a school holiday in Dorset?
Yes. Good Friday is a public holiday in England, so schools are closed.
Are Easter Monday and Boxing Day school closures?
Yes, both are bank holidays. Schools close automatically on these dates.
Can schools change their term dates after publishing them?
Rarely. But if a school moves an INSET day, they’ll notify parents at least one term in advance.
Do summer break dates ever change?
The Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday in May) shifts the half-term week slightly. Always check the official school calendar.