Understanding how UK school holidays work is essential for planning your family’s year. This guide breaks down the UK school calendar, explaining the three main terms, key holiday dates, and the typical school day structure UK families experience. Whether you’re relocating to the UK or just need to plan family trips around uk school holidays, we’ll explain everything from Autumn half term dates UK to how bank holidays affect UK schools.
The Structure of the UK School Year
The UK school year runs from September to July, divided into three core segments: the Autumn term, Spring term, and Summer term. This structure is standard across the UK education system, providing a predictable rhythm for the school year UK.
The Three Main Terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer
Each term is punctuated by a half-term break and concludes with a longer holiday.
- Autumn Term: Runs from early September to mid-December, featuring a one-week half term UK in late October.
- Spring Term: Starts in early January and ends around late March or early April, with a mid-term holiday in February.
- Summer Term: Begins after the Easter holidays and runs until late July, including a Summer half term in late May.
How Many School Days Are in a Year?
Pupils attend school for approximately 190 school days per year. Staff have an additional 5 days for professional development, often called INSET days.
UK School Holidays Date: A Detailed Breakdown
Knowing key dates is crucial for family planning. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the main school breaks UK.
- Autumn Half-Term: A one-week break in late October.
- Christmas Holidays UK Schools: A two-week holiday from mid-December to early January.
- Spring Half Term: A one-week break in mid-February.
- Easter Holidays: A two-week holiday in late March or early April.
- Summer Half-Term: A one-week break in late May or early June.
- Summer Holidays: The long six-week break from late July to early September.
Regional Differences: England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland
A key point of confusion is regional differences. Each of the four UK nations sets its own school calendar UK via the local authority, leading to important variations by region. For instance, school holidays in Scotland often start and end earlier, and schools may close for Saint Andrew’s Day. Similarly, Saint Patrick’s Day is a holiday for schools in Northern Ireland.
UK School Holidays: Country-by-Country Dates
Planning ahead? Here’s a snapshot of UK school holidays date for the school year UK. Always confirm with your local council as dates can vary.
| Holiday | England | Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Day of School | 1 September 2026 | 1 September 2026 | 12 August 2026 | To be confirmed |
| Autumn Half Term | 26 – 30 October 2026 | 26 – 30 October 2026 | 12 – 16 October 2026 | To be confirmed (Oct) |
| Christmas Holidays | 21 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 | 21 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 | 21 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 | To be confirmed |
| Spring Half Term | 15 – 19 February 2027 | 15 – 19 February 2027 | 15 – 19 February 2027 | To be confirmed (Feb) |
| Easter Holidays | 26 March – 9 April 2027 | 26 March – 9 April 2027 | 5 – 16 April 2027 | To be confirmed |
| Summer Half Term | 31 May – 4 June 2027 | 31 May – 4 June 2027 | 3 May 2027 (Single Day) | To be confirmed (May) |
| Summer Holidays | 22 July – 31 Aug 2027 | 22 July – 31 Aug 2027 | Starts 30 June 2027 | To be confirmed |
| Key Public Holiday | – | – | 30 Nov 2026 (St Andrew’s Day) | 17 Mar 2027 (St Patrick’s Day) |
Additional School Closures: Bank Holidays & INSET Days
Beyond term dates, other school closures affect the calendar.
Bank Holidays: These national holidays UK, like Good Friday and the Summer Bank Holiday, are days off. If a bank holiday falls in term time, schools close.
INSET Days: Also called teacher training days, these are 5 days per year where staff undertake training. They are pupil book days—children do not attend.
A Typical UK School Day Structure
The school day UK is structured to balance learning and breaks. Typical UK school day hours run from around 8:45 am to 3:15 pm.
- Morning Session: Starts with registration (school), followed by lessons.
- Morning Break: A short 15-20 minute pause.
- Lunch Break: Typically one hour.
- Afternoon Session: Afternoon lessons UK conclude the day.
The primary school day for ages 4-11 is often more flexible, while the secondary school day for older pupils is more structured with distinct subject periods.
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.
Key Differences: State Schools vs. Private Schools
Most state schools UK follow the local council calendar. Private schools UK, however, may have longer terms, different half term dates, and longer holidays—a key difference between state and private school holidays.
Planning Ahead: Tips for Families & Relocators
For expat families or those moving to UK with children, early planning is key.
- Check Early: Your local council publishes dates well in advance. Use a school holiday planner UK.
- Confirm with School: Always check your school’s website for their specific term dates UK, including INSET days.
- Book Travel Early: To plan family trips, book accommodation and transport as soon as dates are confirmed, especially for the 6-week summer holidays.
Conclusion
Navigating the UK school holidays and understanding the school system explained doesn’t have to be daunting. By knowing the structure of the three main terms, key dates, and regional differences, you can plan your year with confidence. Remember, for the most authoritative and up-to-date information, always refer to the official GOV.UK school term dates page.
Ready to plan your year? Bookmark this guide and check your local council’s website to unlock a stress-free schedule for your family.
Check out the popular School Holidays:
- England School Holidays
- Scotland School Holidays
- Wales School Holidays
- Northern Ireland School Holidays
FAQs
When do UK summer holidays start and end?
They typically start in late July and end in early September, lasting approximately 6 weeks.
How long is half term in the UK?
Half-term breaks are almost always one week long.
Do all UK countries have the same school holidays?
No. England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland all set their own term dates, leading to variations.
What happens if a bank holiday falls in the school holidays?
No additional day off is given. The bank holiday is simply observed during the existing break.
