There are five main holiday breaks during the academic year of Orkney Islands School Holidays, published by the Orkney Islands City Council. The annual school calendar includes term 1, term 2, term 3, and term 4, covering the autumn term, spring term, summer term, and half-term.
This page also provides details on INSET days, in-service days, and the latest updates from the education authority Orkney and the Scottish local authorities.
Orkney Islands School Holidays 2025/2026
For those needing to look back or plan around the previous academic year, the Orkney Islands school holidays and term dates for 2025/2026 were as follows:
| School Term / Holiday | Starts | Finishes |
|---|---|---|
| Term 3 | Monday 5 January 2026 | Friday 3 April 2026 |
| February Break | Thursday 12 February 2026 | Tuesday 17 February 2026 |
| Spring/Easter Holidays | Monday 6 April 2026 | Friday 17 April 2026 |
| Term 4 | Monday 20 April 2026 | Thursday 2 July 2026 |
| May Day Holiday | Monday 4 May 2026 | – |
| Schools Closed | Monday 1 June 2026 | – |
In-Service Days 2026
- Tuesday 17 February 2026
- Monday 1 June 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: Scotland School Holidays
Orkney Islands School Holidays 2026/2027
Here are the confirmed Orkney Islands school holidays and term dates for 2026/2027. All dates are inclusive.
| School Term / Holiday | Starts | Finishes | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 (Autumn Term) | Tuesday 18 August 2026 | Friday 9 October 2026 | 39 days |
| October Holidays | Monday 12 October 2026 | Tuesday 27 October 2026 | 16 days |
| Term 2 (Winter Term) | Wednesday 28 October 2026 | Friday 18 December 2026 | 38 days |
| Christmas Holidays | Monday 21 December 2026 | Monday 4 January 2027 | 15 days |
| Term 3 (Spring Term) | Tuesday 5 January 2027 | Friday 26 March 2027 | 55 days |
| February Break | Thursday 11 February 2027 | Tuesday 16 February 2027 | 6 days |
| Spring/Easter Holidays | Monday 29 March 2027 | Friday 9 April 2027 | 12 days |
| Term 4 (Summer Term) | Monday 12 April 2027 | Friday 2 July 2027 | 58 days |
| May Day Holiday | Monday 3 May 2027 | – | 1 day |
| Schools Closed | Monday 31 May 2027 | – | 1 day |
In-Service Days (Staff Training) 2026/2027
Schools are closed to pupils on these in-service days (also known as INSET days):
- Monday 17 August 2026
- Monday 26 October 2026
- Tuesday 27 October 2026
- Tuesday 16 February 2027
- Monday 31 May 2027
Download the Official School Calendar (PDF)
For the most accurate, official source, you can download the term date PDFs directly:
- School Term Dates 2025/2026 → Download PDF
- School Term Dates 2026/2027 → Download PDF
Public Holidays & School Closures in Orkney
Beyond the standard term dates, Orkney schools also close for certain public holidays. These are important to note:
- May Day Holiday: Schools close on the first Monday in May. In 2026, this is 4 May; in 2027, it is 3 May.
- Easter Monday: This falls during the spring/Easter holidays. In 2026, Easter Monday is 6 April; in 2027, it is 29 March.
- Additional School Closure: There is an additional school closure on 31 May 2026 and 31 May 2027 (which also doubles as an in-service day in 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.
Also Check: Glasgow School Holidays
With this page of the Orkney Islands school holidays and term dates, you can confidently book holidays, arrange childcare, and make the most of every school break.
Remember to always check the official Orkney Islands Council website for any last-minute changes, and download the official PDF calendar for your records.
Useful Resources
- Orkney Islands Council
FAQs
What is the Easter holiday date for Orkney schools in 2027?
The Spring/Easter holiday in 2027 runs from Monday 29 March to Friday 9 April. Easter Monday is 29 March.
When do Orkney schools break up for summer 2027?
The last day of school before the summer holidays is Friday 2 July 2027. Term 4 ends on this date.
Are there in-service days in Orkney?
Yes, schools have in-service days for staff training. In 2026/2027, they are 17 August, 26 October, 27 October, 16 February, and 31 May.
Where can I find the official Orkney school calendar?
You can download the official PDF calendar from the Orkney Islands Council website. Links are provided above.
Do Orkney schools close for May Day?
Yes, schools are closed on the May Day bank holiday (first Monday in May). In 2027, this is 3 May.