There are five main school holiday periods during the academic year, giving families regular breaks to organise their plans. The Mourne School Holidays calendar typically includes the long summer holiday and Christmas and Easter breaks, along with two mid-term holidays.
Remember, while these dates are standard, Mourne school staff training days and teacher training (INSET) may differ based on individual school circumstances, so it’s always wise to double-check with your specific institution.
Mourne School Holidays 2025/2026
Here are the complete Mourne School holidays and term dates for 2025/2026.
2025-2026 Term Dates
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 1 September 2025 | 19 December 2025 |
| Spring Term | 5 January 2026 | 27 March 2026 |
| Summer Term | 13 April 2026 | 30 June 2026 |
2025-2026 Bank Holidays
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| St Patrick’s Day | 17 March 2026 |
| Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 |
| May Day | 4 May 2026 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May 2026 |
| Orangemen’s Day | 13 July 2026 |
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: Northern Ireland School Holidays
Mourne School Holidays 2026/2027
Here is the complete list for Mourne school holidays 2026/2027.
2026-2027 Term Dates
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 1 September 2026 | 18 December 2026 |
| Spring Term | 4 January 2027 | 24 March 2027 |
| Summer Term | 12 April 2027 | 30 June 2027 |
2026-2027 Bank Holidays
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| St Patrick’s Day | 17 March 2027 |
| Easter Monday | 29 March 2027 |
| May Day | 3 May 2027 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 31 May 2027 |
| Orangemen’s Day | 12 July 2027 |
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.
Spring Term: St Patrick’s Day & Easter
The spring term often feels like a marathon punctuated by two major sprints of joy. In the Mourne region, the St. Patrick’s Day school holiday (17 March) is a firm fixture, giving families a chance to participate in local parades and community events. Shortly after, the Easter holidays provide a longer two-week respite.
The Easter break generally aligns with the last two weeks of March and the very beginning of April, allowing for family trips or just a well-deserved rest before the final push toward the summer holiday begins in July. It’s a fantastic time to explore the Mourne Council area, with the daffodils blooming in the foothills.
INSET Days & School Development Days in Mourne
Here is where things get a bit tricky, but it is essential information for parents. INSET days (In-Service Education and Training) are often referred to locally as school development days or teacher training (INSET) . These are days when pupils do not attend school, but staff are hard at work on planning and training.
Also Check: Belfast School Holidays
Useful Resources
For the most authoritative information, always refer to official sources. Here are two key links to help you stay updated:
- Mourne Council: For local events and community updates that might affect school travel or activities during breaks.
- NI Education: The official Department of Education NI website for statutory guidance and any emergency changes to the NI school calendar.
FAQs
How many school holidays are there in the Mourne academic year?
There are generally 3 main terms (Autumn, Spring, Summer) which include breaks for Halloween, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter.
What is a ‘non-operational date’?
It is a day when the school is technically closed to pupils, often for statutory holidays or school development days, but staff may still be working.
Are bank holidays always school holidays in Northern Ireland?
Yes, public holidays like May Day and Spring Bank Holiday are generally non-operational for pupils, though they are built into the standard school term structure.
Why do schools in the same area have different holidays?
This is usually due to discretionary days. While the main holidays (Easter, Christmas) are fixed, individual schools choose different dates for their staff training days.
What happens on a teacher training (INSET) day?
Teachers engage in professional development, such as learning new safeguarding protocols, curriculum planning, or strategies to improve teaching and learning.
Is the first day back at school after summer always 1 September?
Usually, yes, unless the 1st falls on a weekend. The academic year typically begins on 1 September.