There are five main school holiday periods in South Ayrshire each academic year, including the summer holidays, Christmas, Easter, and seasonal mid-term breaks. The South Ayrshire School Holidays calendar gives families a clear overview of term dates and official school closures across the area.
This page provides the latest South Ayrshire School Holidays and term dates, helping parents and carers plan ahead with accurate and easy-to-follow information.
South Ayrshire School Holidays 2025/2026
Here are the confirmed South Ayrshire School Holidays and Term Dates for the 2025-2026 academic calendar.
2025-2026 Term Dates
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 20 August 2025 (Pupils return) | 30 June 2026 |
| Autumn Half Term | 13 October 2025 | 17 October 2025 |
| Christmas Break | 22 December 2025 | 2 January 2026 |
| Spring Term | 5 January 2026 (Pupils return) | 30 June 2026 |
| Spring Half Term | 6 February 2026 | 9 February 2026 |
| Easter Break | 3 April 2026 | 17 April 2026 |
| Summer Term | 20 April 2026 (Pupils return) | 30 June 2026 |
2025-2026 Bank Holidays & Closures
| Bank Holiday / Closure | Date |
|---|---|
| May Day Bank Holiday | 4 May 2026 |
| School Closed (May) | 25 May 2026 |
| In-Service Day | 18 August 2025 |
| In-Service Day | 19 August 2025 |
| In-Service Day | 20 October 2025 |
| In-Service Day | 10 February 2026 |
| In-Service Day | 7 May 2026 |
| Staff Last Day | 30 June 2026 |
South Ayrshire School Holidays 2026/2027
2026-2027 Term Dates
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 20 August 2026 (Pupils return) | 30 June 2027 |
| Autumn Half Term | 12 October 2026 | 16 October 2026 |
| Christmas Break | 23 December 2026 | 4 January 2027 |
| Spring Term | 5 January 2027 (Pupils return) | 30 June 2027 |
| Spring Half Term | 12 February 2027 | 15 February 2027 |
| Easter Break | 26 March 2027 | 9 April 2027 |
| Summer Term | 12 April 2027 (Pupils return) | 30 June 2027 |
2026-2027 Bank Holidays & Closures
| Bank Holiday / Closure | Date |
|---|---|
| May Day Bank Holiday | 3 May 2027 |
| School Closed (May) | 28 May 2027 – 31 May 2027 |
| In-Service Day | 18 August 2026 |
| In-Service Day | 19 August 2026 |
| In-Service Day | 19 October 2026 |
| In-Service Day | 16 February 2027 |
| In-Service Day | 6 May 2027 |
| Staff Last Day | 30 June 2027 |
South Ayrshire School Holidays 2027/2028
2027-2028 Term Dates
Note: These dates are projected based on historical patterns. Always check with South Ayrshire Council for final confirmation.
| Term | Projected Start Date | Projected End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Mid-August 2027 | Late June 2028 |
| Autumn Half Term | Mid-October 2027 | Mid-October 2027 |
| Christmas Break | Late December 2027 | Early January 2028 |
| Spring Term | Early January 2028 | Late March 2028 |
| Spring Half Term | Mid-February 2028 | Mid-February 2028 |
| Easter Break | Late March 2028 | Early April 2028 |
| Summer Term | Mid-April 2028 | Late June 2028 |
2027-2028 Bank Holidays & Closures
| Bank Holiday / Closure | Projected Date |
|---|---|
| May Day Bank Holiday | Early May 2028 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Late May 2028 |
| In-Service Days | Various dates (announced by Council) |
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 South Ayrshire School Holidays Explained
Autumn Term
The academic year kicks off with pupils returning mid-August after the summer break. Families in South Ayrshire typically enjoy a one-week October week break, usually falling in the second or third week of October. The term concludes with the Christmas holidays starting just before Christmas Eve.
Spring Term
After the New Year, pupils return in early January. This term includes a February half-term break and the Easter holidays, which usually span two weeks in March or April depending on the academic year.
Summer Term
The final stretch of the school year begins after Easter. Pupils return in mid-to-late April. This term includes May Day bank holiday and the late May holiday. The school year officially ends on June 30th for both pupils and staff.
Inset Days and Training Days
In-service days, often called inset days, are when schools are closed to pupils so staff can undergo training and planning. For the academic years, South Ayrshire Council has scheduled these days at the start of terms and before holiday breaks. Always mark these dates—childcare during South Ayrshire in-service days requires advance planning.
Key Bank Holidays & Closures in South Ayrshire
South Ayrshire schools observe all UK bank holidays, plus additional local closures:
- May Day Bank Holiday:Â Always a Monday in early May.
- Spring Bank Holiday:Â Late May closure.
- These dates apply equally to primary schools, secondary schools, early years centres, and special schools.
Remember, these dates apply to all South Ayrshire Council controlled schools, including primary schools, secondary schools, early years centres, and special schools. For the most authoritative updates, always cross-reference with the official South Ayrshire Council website.
Plan ahead. Stay prepared. Enjoy every break.
More School Holidays
- Scotland School Holidays
- Glasgow School Holidays
- Fife School Holidays
- Dundee School Holidays
- Aberdeen School Holidays
- Renfrewshire School Holidays
Useful Resources
For the most up-to-date information and any changes to the school calendar, always refer to the official source:
South Ayrshire Council:
FAQs
How many in-service days are there in South Ayrshire?
Typically, South Ayrshire schools schedule five in-service days per academic year.
Are term dates the same for all schools in Ayrshire?
No. South Ayrshire term dates may differ from neighboring councils like East Ayrshire or North Ayrshire.
Do early years centres follow the same holidays?
Yes, early years centres and special schools follow the South Ayrshire Council school holiday schedule.
Are there schools closed on May Day?
Yes, all council-controlled schools are closed on May Day bank holiday.
Where can I find a South Ayrshire school holiday planner?
You can use this page as your planner, or visit the South Ayrshire Council website for printable calendars.
Do South Ayrshire term dates change yearly?
Dates shift slightly each year, but the pattern of terms and breaks remains consistent.