There are six main holiday breaks during the academic year, giving families time to rest, travel, and plan activities. The Durham School Holidays calendar normally includes the summer holiday, Christmas break, Easter holiday, and three half-term breaks spread across the school year.
Keeping track of Durham School holidays and term dates helps parents arrange childcare, family trips, and work schedules more effectively. Knowing the exact start and end dates of each term also helps avoid confusion about school closures and teacher training days.
Durham School Holidays 2025/2026
Here are the 2025-2026 term dates for schools in Durham.
2025-2026 Term Dates
| Term / Holiday | Closing Date | Date Re-opens |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | Friday 18 July 2025 | Tuesday 2 September 2025 |
| Autumn Half-term 2025 | Friday 24 October 2025 | Monday 3 November 2025 |
| Christmas 2025 | Friday 19 December 2025 | Monday 5 January 2026 |
| Spring Half-term 2026 | Friday 20 February 2026 | Monday 2 March 2026 |
| Easter 2026 | Thursday 2 April 2026 | Monday 20 April 2026 |
| May Day 2026 | Friday 1 May 2026 | Tuesday 5 May 2026 |
| Summer Half-term 2026 | Friday 22 May 2026 | Monday 1 June 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | Monday 20 July 2026 | TBC |
2025-2026 Bank Holidays
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Christmas Day | Thursday 25 December 2025 |
| 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 |
Check more: Cheshire East School Holidays
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.
Durham School Holidays 2026/2027
Here are the Durham School Holidays (2026-2027) for the upcoming school year.
2026-2027 Term Dates
| Term / Holiday | Closing Date | Date Re-opens |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2026 | Monday 20 July 2026 | Tuesday 1 September 2026 |
| Autumn Half-term 2026 | Friday 23 October 2026 | Monday 2 November 2026 |
| Christmas 2026 | Friday 18 December 2026 | Monday 4 January 2027 |
| Spring Half-term 2027 | Friday 12 February 2027 | Monday 22 February 2027 |
| Easter 2027 | Thursday 25 March 2027 | Monday 12 April 2027 |
| May Day 2027 | Friday 30 April 2027 | Tuesday 4 May 2027 |
| Summer Half-term 2027 | Friday 28 May 2027 | Monday 7 June 2027 |
| Summer 2027 | Wednesday 21 July 2027 | TBC |
2026-2027 Bank Holidays
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Christmas Day | Friday 25 December 2026 |
| 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 |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday 3 May 2027 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday 31 May 2027 |
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.
Durham School INSET Days (Teacher Training Days)
What you need to know:
- Inset days are usually 5 days spread across the academic year.
- They often fall on the first day of a term or the last day.
- You must find details from your specific school’s website or newsletter to get their exact inset days.
- Always check with your school for their specific calendar.
Primary vs. Secondary School Term Dates
A common question is whether primary school holidays in Durham differ from secondary school holidays in Durham. In most cases, the Durham School Holidays listed above are consistent across both primary and secondary schools within the Durham local authority.
Also Check: Sunderland School Holidays
Useful Resources
For the most authoritative information, you can always refer to the local authority.
- Durham County Council:
FAQs
Are these dates the same for all schools?
No, they are the recommended dates. Academies and aided schools can set different dates, so you should check with your school.
How many terms are in a UK school year?
There are three main terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer, usually broken up by half-term holidays.
What are INSET days?
INSET days (or teacher training days) are days when school is closed for pupils so teachers can receive training.
Where can I find the school calendar in Durham?
You can use this guide for an overview, but your child’s specific school website will have the most accurate calendar.
Do secondary schools have different holidays than primary schools?
Usually, the school holidays are the same across both, but inset days often differ.