Planning around Ards and North Down school holidays isn’t always straightforward. Different schools, different decisions. That’s why knowing the North Down School Term Dates in advance saves you from last-minute chaos.
This page provides clear and updated information on Ards and North Down school holidays and term dates, all in one place. It helps families stay informed and confidently manage the school calendar throughout the year.
Ards and North Down School Holidays 2025/2026
Let’s kick off with the Ards and North Down school holidays, 2025/2026 academic year.
Autumn Term 2025/2026
- Start: 1 September 2025
- Halloween break: 30 & 31 October 2025
- Christmas closure: 22 December 2025 – 2 January 2026
A shorter half-term? Yes. The autumn half-term is here in just two days. Some parents love it. Others scramble. Plan accordingly.
Spring Term 2025/2026
- Mid-term break: 12 & 13 February 2026
- St Patrick’s Day school closure: 17 March 2026
- Easter closure: 2 April – 10 April 2026
That February midterm feels brief. But remember: schools’ discretion means your child’s school could add extra days.
Summer Term 2025/2026
- May Day bank holiday: 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: 25 May 2026
- Summer holiday begins: 1 July 2026
The final day? 30 June 2026. Then freedom.
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.
Ards and North Down School Holidays 2026/2027
This is your 2026/2027 academic calendar.
Autumn Term 2026/2027
- Resume after summer: 1 September 2026
- Halloween break: 29 & 30 October 2026
- Christmas and New Year: 21 December 2026 – 1 January 2027
Notice something? Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2026. Schools close the Thursday and Friday before. Handy.
Spring Term 2026/2027
- Mid-term break: 11 & 12 February 2027
- St Patrick’s Day: 17 March 2027
- Easter closure: 25 March – 2 April 2027
Short, sharp, and predictable. That’s the pattern.
Summer Term 2026/2027
- May Day: 3 May 2027
- Spring Bank Holiday: 31 May 2027
- Summer holiday begins: 1 July 2027
Check More: Northern Ireland School Holidays
Staff Training & Development Days (Inset Days)
Here’s where it gets tricky. Staff training days and school development days are not nationally fixed. Pupil free days vary from school to school. One primary might take five inset days. Another takes three. Schools discretion is real.
What should you do?
- ✅ Call your child’s school directly.
- ✅ Check their website for “term dates” or “inset days.”
- ✅ Add 2–3 buffer days to your calendar.
Because nothing ruins a return-to-work plan like an unexpected pupil-free day.
Key Holidays in Ards and North Down Schools
| Holiday / Event | 2025/2026 Dates | 2026/2027 Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Schools resume after summer | 1 September 2025 | 1 September 2026 |
| Halloween break | 30–31 October 2025 | 29–30 October 2026 |
| Christmas & New Year closure | 22 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026 | 21 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 |
| Mid-term break (Feb) | 12–13 February 2026 | 11–12 February 2027 |
| St Patrick’s Day closure | 17 March 2026 | 17 March 2027 |
| Easter closure | 2–10 April 2026 | 25 March – 2 April 2027 |
| May Day bank holiday | 4 May 2026 | 3 May 2027 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May 2026 | 31 May 2027 |
| The summer holiday begins | 1 July 2026 | 1 July 2027 |
Ards and North Down School Holiday Activities
Stuck for ideas during the breaks? You’re not alone.
Summer holiday too long? Try Crawfordsburn Country Park. Free. Beautiful. And brilliant for exhausted parents.
Halloween break feels spooky? Bangor Castle Leisure Centre runs themed swimming sessions. Check their board.
Easter holidays need structure? The Ards and North Down Museum offers free trails. Yes, free. And indoors (crucial for NI weather).
Mid-term break too short for travel? Stay local. Pick up a “Cycle Ards and North Down” map from the Ards and North Down Council visitor centre.
Pro tip: Library events in Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, and Donaghadee are underrated. And underused. Be the parent who knows.
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: Omagh School Holidays
Useful Resources
You don’t have to guess. These links provide the necessary information.
- Ards and North Down Council – (local activities and facility closures)
- NI Education
FAQs
Are Ards and North Down school holidays the same for every school?
No. School discretion means individual schools can adjust non-operational dates and inset days locally.
Do schools in Ards and North Down close for St. Patrick’s Day?
Yes. 17 March is an official St. Patrick’s Day school closure across all Northern Ireland schools.
How many inset days do Ards and North Down schools have?
Usually 3–5 per academic year. But staff training days vary by school. Always check with your child’s school directly.
Is May Day a school holiday in Ards and North Down?
Yes. The May Day bank holiday means no school on the first Monday of May.
Can I take term-time holidays during Ards and North Downs school holidays?
Yes, but avoid unauthorised absences. Book travel only during official school closure dates listed by the council.
Where can I find Ards and North Down Council school term dates in one place?
Right here. Or visit Ards and North Down Council’s website for school-specific updates.