There are six main school holiday periods in Sunderland each academic year, including the summer holidays, Christmas, Easter, and three half-term breaks. The Sunderland School Holidays calendar gives parents a clear overview of when schools are closed and when each term begins and ends.
It’s important to understand that these are recommended dates. Individual schools have the autonomy to set their own calendars, particularly around INSET days (teacher training days), so you should always check with your school.
Use our clear tables and explanations to plan your holidays, childcare, and family time with confidence.
Sunderland School Holidays 2025/2026
The following table outlines the recommended term dates for the 2025/2026 academic year as suggested by the Sunderland City Council. These dates are the result of consultation with schools and neighbouring authorities.
2025-2026 Term Dates
| Term | Starting Date | Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | September 2025 | December 2025 |
| Spring Term | January 2026 | March/April 2026 |
| Summer Term | April 2026 | July 2026 |
2025-2026 Bank Holidays
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| May Day Bank Holiday | Monday, 4 May 2026 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, 25 May 2026 |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday, 31 August 2026 |
Sunderland School Holidays 2026/2027
For the 2026/2027 school year, the key dates are as follows. Remember to confirm the exact start of term and end of term with your child’s school.
2026-2027 Term Dates
| Term | Starting Date | Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | September 2026 | December 2026 |
| Spring Term | January 2027 | March/April 2027 |
| Summer Term | April 2027 | July 2027 |
2026-2027 Bank Holidays
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| May Day Bank Holiday | Monday, 3 May 2027 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, 31 May 2027 |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday, 30 August 2027 |
Sunderland School Holidays 2027/2028
Plan ahead with the recommended dates for the 2027/2028 Sunderland school holidays. The school reopening date in September 2027 is a key date for families to note.
2027-2028 Term Dates
| Term | Starting Date | Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | September 2027 | December 2027 |
| Spring Term | January 2028 | March/April 2028 |
| Summer Term | April 2028 | July 2028 |
2027-2028 Bank Holidays
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| May Day Bank Holiday | Monday, 1 May 2028 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, 29 May 2028 |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday, 28 August 2028 |
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.
Detailed Sunderland School Holidays Explained
The academic year is traditionally split into three main terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Each term is often divided into two halves, sometimes called Autumn 1 & 2 or Spring 1 & 2, separated by a one-week “half-term” holiday. These structures are designed to provide a balanced rhythm of learning and rest for pupils throughout the school year.
- Autumn Term: This is the longest term, typically running from early September to mid-December. It includes the October half-term break.
- Spring Term: Usually starts in early January and runs until late March or early April, with a February half-term.
- Summer Term: Begins after the Easter holidays and finishes in late July, including a May half-term break.
INSET Days (Teacher Training Days) in Sunderland
Explaining the 5 Extra Days (INSET)
By law, schools must be open to pupils for 190 days (or 380 half-day sessions). However, teachers’ statutory conditions require them to be available for work for 195 days. This creates the 5 extra days known as In-Service Training (INSET) days.
These are school staff training days used for professional development, planning, and training, and the school is closed to pupils on these dates.
Why You Must Check Dates with Your Child’s School
This is the most crucial advice: always check with your school. The Sunderland City Council provides a recommended term dates framework, but final authority lies with each individual school’s governing body. INSET days are almost always chosen by the school itself. Many place them at the start of term or end of term, which can slightly alter holiday dates.
Your school will communicate its specific calendar, including all INSET days Sunderland schools have planned, directly to parents. You can find contact details in the schools directory on the council website.
More School Holidays
- England School Holidays
- Birmingham School Holidays
- Norfolk School Holidays
- Leeds School Holidays
- Staffordshire School Holidays
- Hampshire School Holidays
- Essex School Holidays
Use the provided Sunderland school calendar dates as a reliable foundation for your long-term planning, and always refer to your school’s communications for the final, confirmed schedule.
Useful Resources
- Sunderland City Council: For the most official information and any updates, visit the Sunderland City Council website. You can often find the official Sunderland school holidays PDF for each year in their education section.
FAQs
Where can I get the official PDF of term dates?
The official Sunderland school holiday PDF for each academic year is published by the Sunderland City Council on their website under the school holidays or education section.
How many days are in the Sunderland school year?
190 days. By law, schools must be open to pupils for 190 days within the academic year. Staff have an additional 5 INSET days, making 195 days in total.
Who sets the school holiday dates in Sunderland?
Individual schools set their own dates. The Sunderland City Council provides recommended dates after consultation with schools and union representatives, but each school’s governing body makes the final decision.
When do Sunderland schools go back in September?
The exact school reopening date in September varies by year and by school. Check the council’s recommended dates for guidance, but always confirm the specific first day with your child’s school.
Do all schools in Sunderland have the same holidays?
Not always. While many follow the local authority term dates, schools can set different INSET days and may adjust start/end dates slightly, especially if they are academies or voluntary-aided.
What are ‘INSET’ days?
INSET days are In-Service Training days. They are teacher training days where staff undertake professional development, and the school is closed to all pupils.