There are six main holiday breaks during the academic year for Manchester school holidays and term dates. Published by Manchester Council and the local authority, the yearly term calendar includes the autumn term, spring term, and other important school break periods.
The annual schedule highlights when each school opens and closes, including the Christmas holiday, Easter holiday, and official summer holiday dates. It helps families, students, and staff stay informed and organised throughout the school year.
This page provides complete information on Manchester school holidays, including primary school holidays, secondary school term dates, and the full summer break schedule.
Manchester School Holidays 2025/2026
Below are the Manchester school holidays, term dates, and breaks for 2025/2026.
Autumn Term
- School opens: Tuesday 2 September 2025
- October half-term: School closes Friday 24 October 2025
- School opens: Monday 3 November 2025
- Christmas holiday: School closes Friday 19 December 2025
Spring Term
- School opens: Monday 5 January 2026
- February half-term: School closes Friday 13 February 2026
- School opens: Monday 23 February 2026
- Easter holiday: School closes Friday 27 March 2026
Summer Term
- School opens: Monday 13 April 2026
- May bank holiday: School closes Monday 4 May 2026
- Late May half-term: School closes Friday 22 May 2026
- School opens: Monday 1 June 2026
- Summer holiday: School closes Tuesday 21 July 2026
Manchester School Holidays 2026/2027
Below are the Manchester school holidays and term dates for 2026/2027.
Autumn Term
- School opens: Tuesday 1 September 2026
- October half-term: School closes Friday 23 October 2026
- School opens: Monday 2 November 2026
- Christmas holiday: School closes Friday 18 December 2026
Spring Term
- School opens: Monday 4 January 2027
- February half-term: School closes Friday 12 February 2027
- School opens: Monday 22 February 2027
- Easter holiday: School closes Friday 2 April 2027
Summer Term
- School opens: Monday 19 April 2027
- May bank holiday: School closes Monday 3 May 2027
- Late May half-term: School closes Friday 28 May 2027
- School opens: Monday 7 June 2027
- Summer holiday: School closes Thursday 22 July 2027
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: England School Holidays
Manchester School Holidays 2027/2028
Below are the Manchester school holidays and term dates for 2027/2028.
Autumn Term
- School opens: Wednesday 1 September 2027
- October half-term: School closes Friday 22 October 2027
- School opens: Monday 1 November 2027
- Christmas holiday: School closes Friday 17 December 2027
Spring Term
- School opens: Tuesday 4 January 2028
- February half-term: School closes Friday 18 February 2028
- School opens: Monday 28 February 2028
- Easter holiday: School closes Friday 31 March 2028
Summer Term
- School opens: Tuesday 18 April 2028
- May bank holiday: School closes Monday 1 May 2028
- Late May half-term: School closes Friday 26 May 2028
- School opens: Monday 5 June 2028
- Summer holiday: School closes Friday 21 July 2028
Manchester Inset Days
INSET days (teacher training) aren’t set by Manchester Council – each school chooses its own. That means your child could have a random Friday off while the school down the road stays open.
- Usually 5 INSET days per academic year.
- Most schools pick Mondays or Fridays.
- Always check your school’s website or parent app.
Bank Holidays Affecting School Closures
Bank holiday school closures in Manchester follow national dates. Here’s when schools shut (if the date falls on a weekday):
| School Year | May Day / Early May Bank Holiday |
|---|---|
| 2025/2026 | Monday 4 May 2026 |
| 2026/2027 | Monday 3 May 2027 |
| 2027/2028 | Monday 1 May 2028 |
Yes, that’s the May bank holiday school closure—the one that turns a short week into an even shorter one. Good for long weekends. Bad if you forgot to book childcare.
Important Notes on School Types
Not all Manchester schools follow the local authority dates. Here’s the catch:
- Community schools – follow Manchester Council dates exactly.
- Voluntary aided school term dates – can differ by up to a week.
- Academy school term dates – set by the trust. Some academies start earlier in September or shave days off half-term.
- Foundation schools – also independent.
Always confirm with your specific school.
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.
Also Check: Hampshire School Holidays
Useful Resources
- Manchester City Council—official term dates page
FAQs
Do all Manchester schools close for the May bank holiday?
Yes. All state schools close for the early May bank holiday because it’s a national public holiday.
Are voluntary aided school term dates different from council dates?
Yes, they can be. Voluntary aided schools have more freedom and may adjust half-terms by a few days.
Does Manchester Council set INSET days?
No. INSET days are decided by each school individually, not by the local authority.
Is the October half-term the same for primary and secondary schools in Manchester?
Usually yes. Both follow the same council pattern, but academies could shift theirs by up to one week.
Can I use these dates for holiday booking?
Yes – for community schools. For academies or voluntary aided schools, confirm first to avoid school absence fines.