Belfast schools follow the Northern Ireland academic calendar, with structured terms and scheduled breaks. This page provides official Belfast school holidays and term dates.
We’ve compiled all the key dates, from when school resumes after the Summer holiday begins to Halloween holidays and Christmas school holidays, to help you plan ahead with confidence.
Always confirm with your school, as staff development days may differ.
Belfast School Holidays 2025/2026
This section outlines the key dates for the Belfast School Holidays 2025/2026 academic year. Use the tables below to mark your school calendar.
2025-2026 Term Dates
The Belfast school holidays for 2025/2026 are structured across three main terms.
| Term | Starting Date | Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Monday 1 September 2025 | Friday 19 December 2025 |
| Spring Term | Monday 5 January 2026 | Friday 3 April 2026 |
| Summer Term | Monday 21 April 2026 | Tuesday 30 June 2026 |
2025-2026 Bank Holidays
These public holidays are non-operational dates when schools are closed.
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| St Patrick’s Day school closure | Tuesday 17 March 2026 |
| May Day bank holiday | Monday 4 May 2026 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday 25 May 2026 |
Belfast School Holidays 2026/2027
Plan further ahead with the confirmed Belfast school holidays for the 2026/2027 period.
2026-2027 Term Dates
Here is the school calendar structure for the 2026/2027 year.
| Term | Starting Date | Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Tuesday 1 September 2026 | Friday 18 December 2026 |
| Spring Term | Tuesday 6 January 2027 | Friday 26 March 2027 |
| Summer Term | Monday 12 April 2027 | Wednesday 30 June 2027 |
2026-2027 Bank Holidays
Mark these NI school holidays and public holidays on your planner.
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| St Patrick’s Day school closure | Wednesday 17 March 2027 |
| May Day bank holiday | Monday 3 May 2027 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday 31 May 2027 |
Belfast School Holidays 2027/2028
Get ahead of your long-term planning with the projected Belfast School holidays for 2027/2028.
2027-2028 Term Dates
These dates are based on the standard pattern and are subject to confirmation.
| Term | Starting Date | Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Wednesday 1 September 2027 | Friday 17 December 2027 |
| Spring Term | Wednesday 5 January 2028 | Friday 30 March 2028 |
| Summer Term | Monday 17 April 2028 | Friday 29 June 2028 |
2027-2028 Bank Holidays
Anticipated public holiday closures for the 2027/2028 academic year.
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| St Patrick’s Day school closure | Friday 17 March 2028 |
| May Day bank holiday | Monday 1 May 2028 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday 29 May 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 Breakdown of Key Holiday Periods
Understanding the main holiday blocks helps with planning trips and childcare.
- Christmas and New Year: Schools typically close for approximately two weeks, from around the 22nd/23rd of December to the 2nd/3rd of January.
- Easter Break: The Easter break Belfast schools observe is usually two weeks, spanning the Easter period. The dates vary each year based on the lunar calendar.
- Mid-Term Breaks (Half-Term): Each of the three terms includes a one-week Belfast primary school mid-term break, typically in October, February, and May/June.
- Summer Holiday: The Summer holiday begins for pupils at the end of June or very start of July, lasting for six to seven weeks.
Staff Development Days (Inset Days)
A key point for Belfast education planning is school development days. These are training days for staff, and pupils do not attend. Schools have school discretion to set these dates based on their individual circumstances, so they differ from school-to-school. Pupils do not attend on these days. Always check your child’s own school website for their specific calendar.
Belfast school holidays follow Northern Ireland’s academic structure, offering consistency for families and planners.
Related School Holidays
Useful Resources
For the most authoritative information, please refer to these official sources:
- Belfast Council and the Education Authority for local guidance.
- UK GOV for overarching UK educational frameworks.
FAQs
When do Belfast schools break up for summer?
Pupils typically finish for summer at the end of June. For example, in 2026, the last day is Tuesday 30 June 2026.
Are school holiday dates the same for every Belfast school?
No. While the main holiday dates Belfast-wide are similar, individual school circumstances mean exact term dates, especially staff training days, can vary. Always verify with your specific school.
Can I take my child on holiday during term time?
You must request permission from the headteacher. Unauthorised term time holidays can result in a fine, as they disrupt the required teaching days.
What are staff training days?
These are in-service days where teachers undergo training. Schools can operate for staff, but they are non-operational dates for pupils, who do not attend.
Do inset days affect pupils?
Yes. Pupils do not attend.
Are bank holidays included in school holidays?
Yes. Schools are closed on all official bank holidays.
Are half-terms used in Belfast?
Some schools use mid-term breaks.