There are five main school holiday periods each academic year, helping families organise time off efficiently. The Newtownabbey School Holidays schedule includes summer, Christmas, Easter, and mid-term breaks that structure the school calendar.
Understanding the official Newtownabbey School Holidays and term dates allows parents to plan childcare, travel, and family activities well in advance. Clear knowledge of start dates, half terms, and school closures reduces last-minute stress.
Newtownabbey School Holidays 2025/2026
Here are the official term breaks and school closure dates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
2025-2026 Term Dates
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 1 September 2025 | 19 December 2025 |
| Half Term (Halloween) | *27 October 2025* | *31 October 2025* |
| Spring Term | 5 January 2026 | 27 March 2026 |
| Half Term (Mid-term) | *16 February 2026* | *20 February 2026* |
| Summer Term | 13 April 2026 | 30 June 2026 |
| Half Term (Late May) | *25 May 2026* | *29 May 2026* |
2025-2026 Bank Holidays
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| St Patrick’s Day Holiday | 17 March 2026 |
| Good Friday | 3 April 2026 |
| Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 |
| May Day | 4 May 2026 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May 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.
Newtownabbey School Holidays 2026/2027
Here are the dates for the Newtownabbey school holidays 2026-2027 session.
2026-2027 Term Dates
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 1 September 2026 | 18 December 2026 |
| Half Term (Halloween) | *26 October 2026* | *30 October 2026* |
| Spring Term | 4 January 2027 | 25 March 2027 |
| Half Term (Mid-term) | *15 February 2027* | *19 February 2027* |
| Summer Term | 12 April 2027 | 30 June 2027 |
| Half Term (Late May) | *31 May 2027* | *4 June 2027* |
2026-2027 Bank Holidays
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| St Patrick’s Day Holiday | 17 March 2027 |
| Good Friday | 26 March 2027 |
| Easter Monday | 29 March 2027 |
| May Day | 3 May 2027 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 31 May 2027 |
Check more: Banbridge School Holidays
Newtownabbey School Holidays 2027/2028
For the super-planners, here are the projected dates for Newtownabbey school holidays and term dates 2027-2028.
2027-2028 Term Dates
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 1 September 2027 | 17 December 2027 |
| Half Term (Halloween) | *25 October 2027* | *29 October 2027* |
| Spring Term | 4 January 2028 | 31 March 2028 |
| Half Term (Mid-term) | *14 February 2028* | *18 February 2028* |
| Summer Term | 18 April 2028 | 30 June 2028 |
| Half Term (Late May) | *29 May 2028* | *2 June 2028* |
2027-2028 Bank Holidays
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| St Patrick’s Day Holiday | 17 March 2028 |
| Good Friday | 14 April 2028 |
| Easter Monday | 17 April 2028 |
| May Day | 1 May 2028 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 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.
Understanding School Closure Days (Inset Days)
You might notice that your child’s school is closed on a day that isn’t listed as a public holiday. These are often inset days (also known as teacher training days or school development days).
These are days when pupils do not attend school, but teachers are present for training and planning. Schools have the schools discretion to choose which days to use for staff training days schools require. This is why the school calendar can sometimes differ from school-to-school. It is always best to check with your specific school to confirm their exact non-operational dates.

Key Bank Holidays & Half Term in Newtownabbey
Unlike in England, Northern Ireland enjoys a unique set of public holidays.
- St Patrick’s Day: A significant term break in March where the whole province celebrates.
- Easter Holidays: Usually a two-week break covering Good Friday and Easter Monday.
- May Day & Spring Bank Holiday: These provide long weekends in May, often coinciding with or adjacent to the Summer Half Term.
We hope this page to Newtownabbey School Holidays makes planning your term dates and family time much easier. Remember to always double-check with your child’s specific school for their confirmed academic year dates, as inset days can vary.Â
Also check: Belfast School Holidays
Bookmark this page for the latest updates on the school calendar, and enjoy the Easter break, Christmas break, and all the holiday schedule highlights across the academic year.
Useful Resources
For the most authoritative information, always refer to these official sources:
- Newtownabbey Council: For local updates and community schemes during the holidays.
- NI Education: The Department of Education’s official site for statutory guidance.
FAQs
When do schools go back in Northern Ireland after summer?
Schools usually resume on 1 September. If this falls on a weekend, pupils return on the first working day thereafter.
How many inset days are allowed in schools NI?
Schools in Northern Ireland typically have the flexibility to use up to 5 staff training days per academic year, which can vary by school.
Are school holiday dates the same for every school in Newtownabbey?
No. While the Newtownabbey Council sets a pattern, individual schools can use their schools discretion to adjust for inset days and other individual circumstances.
When is the October half-term in Newtownabbey?
The Halloween break usually falls on the last week of October, often specifically around the 30th and 31st, though many schools take a full week.
What is the difference between a bank holiday and a school holiday?
Bank holidays are public holidays (like May Day) when schools are legally closed. School holidays are additional breaks (like Easter or Summer) scheduled by the academic calendar.
When does the Summer holiday begin in Newtownabbey?
The Summer holiday begins on 1 July for most schools, marking the end of the academic year.