Planning around UK school holidays and understanding school days can be complex, especially with regional differences. The UK school year comprises 190 school days per year, typically running from early September to late July.
It’s divided into three main school terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Each term is broken up by a half term break and culminates in a longer holiday.
While the school calendar follows a national pattern, exact term dates are set by local authorities, leading to slight variations. Understanding this structure is the first step to navigating the academic year, whether you’re following a state school calendar or a private school schedule.
UK School Holidays: Complete Nation-by-Nation
Dates can vary between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Below are the key UK school holidays and dates for 2026. Always confirm with your local school.
England School Holiday Dates 2026
| Holiday | Starting Date | Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| February Half Term | 16/02/2026 | 20/02/2026 |
| Easter School Holidays | 30/03/2026 | 10/04/2026 |
| May Half Term | 25/05/2026 | 29/05/2026 |
| Summer School Holidays | 20/07/2026 | 28/08/2026 |
| October Half Term | 26/10/2026 | 30/10/2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | 21/12/2026 | 04/01/2027 |
Check the England School Holidays
Scotland School Holiday Dates 2026
| Holiday | Starting Date | Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| February Half Term | 16/02/2026 | 20/02/2026 |
| Easter School Holidays | 03/04/2026 | 20/04/2026 |
| Summer School Holidays | 29/06/2026 | 11/08/2026 |
| October Half Term | 12/10/2026 | 16/10/2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | 21/12/2026 | 04/01/2027 |
Note: Scotland does not have a May half term but has additional local holiday days in May.
Check the Scotland School Holidays
Wales School Holiday Dates 2026
| Holiday | Starting Date | Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| February Half Term | 16/02/2026 | 20/02/2026 |
| Easter School Holidays | 30/03/2026 | 10/04/2026 |
| May Half Term | 25/05/2026 | 29/05/2026 |
| Summer School Holidays | 21/07/2026 | 31/08/2026 |
| October Half Term | 26/10/2026 | 30/10/2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | 18/12/2026 | 04/01/2027 |
Check the Wales School Holidays
Northern Ireland School Holiday Dates 2026
| Holiday | Starting Date | Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| February Half Term | 12/02/2026 | 13/02/2026 |
| Easter School Holidays | 02/04/2026 | 10/04/2026 |
| Summer School Holidays | 01/07/2026 | 01/09/2026 |
| October Half Term | 26/10/2026 | 30/10/2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | 21/12/2026 | 04/01/2027 |
Note: Northern Ireland typically has no May half term, with schools closing only for bank holidays.
Check the Northern Ireland School Holidays
Understanding UK School Terms & Holiday Structure
School holidays in the UK follow a predictable rhythm within the three-term system.
- Autumn Term and Half Term: Runs from September to December, with a one-week break in late October (October half term).
- Spring Term and Easter Holidays: Runs from January to March/April, featuring a February half term break and a two-week Easter school holidays period in spring.
- Summer Term and Summer Holidays: Runs from April to July, often includes a May half term break, and ends with the six-week summer holiday dates UK.
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.
Bank Holidays and School Closures in the UK
Bank holidays are public holidays that affect school term dates. Schools are almost always closed on these days. Key bank holidays causing school closures include:
- New Year’s Day school closure
- Good Friday school closure and Easter Monday
- Early May bank holiday school closure
- Spring bank holiday school closure
- Summer bank holiday school closure
- Christmas Day Boxing Day school closure
If a bank holiday falls in term time, the school closes. If it falls in a holiday, no extra day is given.
What Are INSET Days? (In-Service Training Days)
INSET days (In-Service Training Days) are professional development days for school staff training. They are separate from the 190 teaching days. On these 5 extra days, pupils stay home while staff attend training. They are often scheduled at the start or end of a term, so it’s wise to check your school’s specific school calendar.
A Typical School Day in the UK: Primary vs. Secondary
The structured school day helps children thrive. Here’s a breakdown of the primary school vs secondary school daily schedule.
Structure of a Primary School Day
The day usually runs from 8:45 am to 3:15 pm. After registration and lessons, there is a short morning break and lunch. The atmosphere is more flexible, blending lessons with play and group activities.
Structure of a Secondary School Day Timetable
The day is more formal, often from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. It is divided into distinct periods for different subjects, with breaks in between. Registration and lessons follow a strict timetable.
Key Differences: State Schools vs. Independent (Private) Schools
Most families use state schools, which follow the local authority term dates. Independent (private) schools have more autonomy. Their private school schedule may feature longer school days, different half term dates, and longer summer holidays. Always check directly with the school.
Popular School Holidays by Council
- Birmingham School Holidays
- Norfolk School Holidays
- Leeds School Holidays
- Fife School Holidays
- Dundee School Holidays
- Belfast School Holidays
Useful Resources
For the most authoritative and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government website:
FAQs
Are UK school holiday dates the same everywhere?
No. Dates vary between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and can even differ between local councils.
Do schools close for all bank holidays?
Yes. Schools are typically closed on national bank holidays if they fall on a normal school day.
What is the purpose of an INSET day?
INSET days are for teacher training and professional development. Schools are closed to pupils on these days.
How long is the summer holiday in the UK?
Typically around 6 weeks, usually from late July to early September. Dates vary by nation.
Can I take my child on holiday during term time?
It is strongly discouraged and can result in fines. Holidays should be planned during the official school holiday dates.