West Sussex school holidays are set by West Sussex Council over 18 months in advance, giving families plenty of time to plan. The academic year runs for approximately 195 days, with individual schools using up to 5 days for staff training.
Families can use the PDF calendar and school planner to organise child education and family schedules while staying informed about term dates at local educational institutions.
West Sussex School Holidays 2026/2027
Here are the West Sussex school holidays and term dates for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
Autumn Term 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Term Starts | Tuesday 1 September 2026 |
| Half Term | Monday 26 October – Friday 30 October 2026 |
| Term Ends | Friday 18 December 2026 |
Spring Term 2027
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Term Starts | Monday 4 January 2027 |
| Half Term | Monday 15 February – Friday 19 February 2027 |
| Term Ends | Thursday 25 March 2027 |
Summer Term 2027
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Term Starts | Monday 12 April 2027 |
| Half Term | Monday 31 May – Friday 4 June 2027 |
| Term Ends | Wednesday 21 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
West Sussex School Holidays 2027/2028
Here are the West Sussex school holidays and term dates for the 2027 to 2028 academic year.
Autumn Term 2027
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Term Starts | Wednesday 1 September 2027 |
| Half Term | Monday 25 October – Friday 29 October 2027 |
| Term Ends | Friday 17 December 2027 |
Spring Term 2028
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Term Starts | Tuesday 4 January 2028 |
| Half Term | Monday 14 February – Friday 18 February 2028 |
| Term Ends | Friday 31 March 2028 |
Summer Term 2028
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Term Starts | Monday 17 April 2028 |
| Half Term | Monday 29 May – Friday 2 June 2028 |
| Term Ends | Friday 21 July 2028 |
Does this apply to my child’s school?
West Sussex Council sets term dates for maintained schools and voluntary-controlled schools. However, these dates may not apply to:
- Academies
- Voluntary aided schools
- Sixth-form colleges
- Further education institutions
- Schools in the independent sector
If your child attends an academy or an independent school, we strongly recommend contacting the school directly to confirm their term dates, as they often differ from the council’s schedule.
Understanding the School Year
What are Inset Days?
Inset days (INSET = In-Service Training) are teacher training days when schools are closed to pupils. Individual schools can use up to 5 days per academic year for staff training. These are set by individual schools and may vary—so always check with your child’s school for their specific inset days.
How are term dates decided?
West Sussex Council works closely with headteachers, union representatives, the Diocese, and neighbouring authorities to ensure consistent regional alignment of dates. This collaborative approach helps families with children at different schools avoid holiday clashes.
Download the Academic Calendar (PDF)
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: Kirklees School Holidays
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, arranging childcare, or simply want to stay organised, knowing your West Sussex school holidays and term dates is essential. You can plan your term time around the school holidays.
Plan your year with confidence—know your school holidays inside out!
Useful Resources
- West Sussex County Council
FAQs
Do all schools follow the same term dates in West Sussex?
No. Only maintained and voluntary-controlled schools follow the council’s dates. Academies, voluntary aided schools, and independent schools often set their own.
What are inset days?
Inset days are teacher training days when schools are closed to pupils. Schools can use up to 5 per year, and dates vary by school.
How far in advance are term dates set?
Term dates are typically set over 18 months before the academic year begins, allowing families to plan ahead.
Where can I find my child’s school’s term dates?
Check your child’s school website or contact the school office directly for the most accurate dates.
How many school days are there in a year?
The school year is based on approximately 195 days, though schools can use 5 days for inset training.