Northern Ireland follows a distinct academic structure with fewer but longer terms. This page provides Northern Ireland school holidays and term dates for most grant-aided schools.
Dates may vary slightly by school type, so local confirmation is recommended.
Official Northern Ireland School Holidays 2025/2026
Here are the confirmed non-operational dates for pupils in Northern Ireland school holidays for the 2025/2026 school year.
2025-2026 Term Dates
| Term | Starting Date | Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term 2025 | 1 September 2025 | 19 December 2025 |
| Spring Term 2026 | 5 January 2026 | 27 March 2026 |
| Summer Term 2026 | 12 April 2026 | 30 June 2026 |
Please note: The above term dates frame the academic year. Pupil holidays occur within and between these terms.
2025-2026 Bank Holidays & Fixed Closures
In addition to term breaks, schools are closed on the following bank holidays and fixed dates.
| Bank Holiday / Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Halloween Holiday | 30 & 31 October 2025 |
| Christmas and New Year | 22 Dec 2025 to 2 Jan 2026 |
| February Mid-Term Break | 12 & 13 February 2026 |
| St Patrick’s Day School Holiday | 17 March 2026 |
| Easter Holidays | 2 April to 10 April 2026 |
| May Day | 4 May 2026 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May 2026 |
| Summer Holiday Begins | 1 July 2026 |
Northern Ireland School Holidays 2026/2027
While the official calendar for 2026/2027 is typically confirmed later, dates are highly consistent year-on-year. Based on historical patterns, you can anticipate the school breaks to follow this schedule.
2026-2027 Term Dates (Projected)
Here is the official breakdown of the Northern Ireland school holidays and term dates in the 2026-2027 school year calendar.
| Term | Projected Starting Date | Projected Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term 2026 | 1 September 2026 | 18 December 2026 |
| Spring Term 2027 | 4 January 2027 | 26 March 2027 |
| Summer Term 2027 | 12 April 2027 | 30 June 2027 |
2026-2027 Bank Holidays & Fixed Closures (Projected)
| Bank Holiday / Event | Projected Date |
|---|---|
| Halloween Holiday | 29 & 30 October 2026 |
| Christmas and New Year | 21 Dec 2026 to 4 Jan 2027 |
| February Mid-Term Break | 11 & 12 February 2027 |
| St Patrick’s Day | 17 March 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | Likely early April 2027 |
| May Day | 3 May 2027 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 31 May 2027 |
| Summer Holiday Begins | 1 July 2027 |
Important: These are projections to help you plan ahead. Always wait for and verify against the official release from the Education Authority.
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 2026 to 2027 Academic Calendar
Northern Ireland’s school term calendar differs from the rest of the UK, making early planning essential when using a school holiday planner.
Understanding Term Dates and School Closures
Navigating Northern Ireland school term dates involves understanding a few key concepts. The academic year is divided into three terms, but pupils enjoy several breaks within them.
Crucially, the listed holiday dates are non-operational dates. This means that while schools are officially closed to pupils, they have some operational discretion. Individual schools may use these days differently, which is why confirming with your child’s school is essential.
A Closer Look at Each Holiday Period
- Autumn Half-Term & Halloween: A short break in late October, often aligned with the Halloween holiday.
- Christmas Holidays: A roughly two-week break encompassing Christmas and New Year.
- February Mid-Term Break: A short, two-day break in mid-February.
- Easter Holidays: A break around the Easter period, typically lasting just over a week.
- Summer Holidays: The longest break, usually starting on July 1st.
- Bank Holidays: Unlike other UK regions, Northern Ireland typically does not have a week-long May half-term. Instead, schools close for single-day bank holidays like May Day and the Spring Bank Holiday, as well as St Patrick’s Day.
Staff Development Days (Inset Days)
In addition to public holidays, schools schedule several Staff Training Days (often called Inset Days). These are school development days in Northern Ireland where teachers undertake training, and pupils do not attend. These dates are set by each individual school and will differ, so they are a key reason to check with your school for their specific calendar.
Important Information for Parents
A common question is about parents taking children out of school during term time. In Northern Ireland, you must obtain permission from the head teacher for any such absence. Unauthorised absence can result in fines for absence from the local education authority. It’s always best to plan family travel around the official school holidays.
Northern Ireland school holidays are structured differently, so always verify locally before planning.
School Holidays by Council
Useful Resources:
For the most authoritative and up-to-date information, always refer to the official source:
FAQs
Are NI term dates different from England?
Yes. Northern Ireland follows a separate system.
Do all schools follow the same dates?
Mostly, but some variation exists.
Is there a May half term in Northern Ireland?
No. Northern Ireland schools do not have a traditional week-long May half-term. Instead, they typically close for the individual bank holidays of May Day and the Spring Bank Holiday.
What are INSET days?
INSET days are staff training days. They are pupil free days used for teacher development and planning.
Can I take my child on holiday during term time?
You must seek permission from the head teacher. Taking a child out of school without authorisation may result in a fixed penalty notice, as schools are required to report unauthorised absences to the local council dates enforcement team.
Are bank holidays included in school holidays?
Yes. Schools are closed on all official bank holidays.
Do all schools in Northern Ireland close on the same days?
Most close on the standard non-operational dates, but there can be school-to-school variation, especially for staff training days. Always confirm with your specific school.