Wales follows a six-term academic structure, similar to England but managed separately. This page provides Wales school holidays and term dates used by most local authority schools.
Dates apply to most maintained schools across Wales. Academies may set different school term dates, so confirmation is advised.
Wales School Holidays 2025/2026
The 2025/2026 academic year in Wales is structured around three main terms, each with a mid-term break. The dates below provide a reliable framework, but you should always confirm with your specific local authority as slight variations can occur.
2025-2026 Term Dates
| Term | Starting Date | Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term 2025 | Monday, 1 September 2025 | Friday, 19 December 2025 |
| Autumn Half Term | Mon, 27 Oct – Fri, 31 Oct 2025 | |
| Spring Term 2026 | Monday, 5 January 2026 | Friday, 27 March 2026 |
| Spring Half Term | Mon, 16 Feb – Fri, 20 Feb 2026 | |
| Summer Term 2026 | Monday, 13 April 2026 | Monday, 20 July 2026 |
| Summer Half Term | Mon, 25 May – Fri, 29 May 2026 |
2025-2026 Bank Holidays in Wales
Bank holidays can affect childcare and are perfect for extending a school break. Here are the key dates:
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, 1 January 2026 |
| Good Friday | Friday, 3 April 2026 |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 6 April 2026 |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday, 4 May 2026 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, 25 May 2026 |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday, 31 August 2026 |
| Christmas Day | Friday, 25 December 2026 |
| Boxing Day | Monday, 28 December 2026* |
*Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, so the substitute holiday is Monday, 28 December.
Wales School Holidays 2026/2027
Below are the Wales School Holidays and term dates for the 2026/2027 academic cycle.
2026-2027 Term Dates
| Term | Starting Date | Ending Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term 2026 | Monday, 7 September 2026* | Friday, 18 December 2026 |
| Autumn Half Term | Mon, 26 Oct – Fri, 30 Oct 2026 | |
| Spring Term 2027 | Tuesday, 5 January 2027 | Thursday, 1 April 2027 |
| Spring Half Term | Mon, 15 Feb – Fri, 19 Feb 2027 | |
| Summer Term 2027 | Monday, 19 April 2027 | Friday, 23 July 2027 |
| Summer Half Term | Mon, 31 May – Fri, 4 June 2027 |
*Please note: The start date is an estimate and may be adjusted if the first week of September contains bank holidays. Always check with your school.
2026-2027 Bank Holidays in Wales
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Friday, 1 January 2027 |
| Good Friday | Friday, 26 March 2027 |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 29 March 2027 |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday, 3 May 2027 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, 31 May 2027 |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday, 30 August 2027 |
| Christmas Day | Saturday, 25 December 2027 |
| Boxing Day Substitute | Tuesday, 28 December 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.
Detailed 2026 to 2027 Academic Calendar
For meticulous planning, here’s a month-by-month overview of the 2026/2027 key dates:
- September 2026: Term begins early September.
- October 2026: October half term holidays (approx. last week).
- December 2026: Term ends around 18th. Christmas holidays begin.
- January 2027: Spring Term begins on the 5th.
- February 2027: February half term holiday (mid-month).
- March/April 2027: Term ends before Easter. Easter school holidays commence.
- April 2027: Summer Term begins mid-April.
- May/June 2027: May half term holidays (late May/early June).
- July 2027: Summer school holidays begin late July.
Staff Development Days (Inset Days)
Every school allocates five non-pupil days for staff training. These Inset Days vary per school and are set by the head teacher. They often occur at term starts or ends. Parents must note these dates from their school’s calendar as they require childcare.
Key Dates for Parents and Staff
- Confirm Early: Get official dates from your school website or local authority.
- Holiday Bookings: Use this guide to identify getaway windows, but only confirm travel after school approval.
- Term-Time Requests: Formal permission from the head teacher is legally required for any term time absence, or you risk a school fine.
Ideas for School Holiday Activities in Wales
Wales is bursting with adventures for every family and school break. Ditch the “I’m bored!” with these ideas:
- Coastal Explorer: Build sandcastles on Tenby’s beaches or walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
- Mountain Adventures: Ride the steam train on Snowdon or explore the waterfalls in Brecon Beacons.
- History Hunts: Become a knight at Caernarfon Castle or journey underground at the Big Pit.
- Rainy Day Rescues: Get hands-on at Techniquest in Cardiff or discover woolly wonders at the National Wool Museum.
- Free Fun: Pack a picnic for Roath Park in Cardiff or follow a forest trail in one of many free country parks.
School Holidays by Council
Wales school holidays follow a consistent national structure with local flexibility. Always confirm dates locally before making travel plans.
FAQs
Do all schools in Wales follow the same dates?
Mostly, but academies may vary.
Are Welsh half-term dates fixed?
No. They change yearly.
Are bank holidays school holidays in Wales?
Yes. Schools close on bank holidays.
Are inset days the same across Wales?
No. Each school sets them.
Can I take my child on holiday during term time in Wales?
No, not without permission. You must get formal authorisation from the head teacher for any term time absence. Taking them without it can result in a penalty notice from the local authority.
Where can I find a printable school holidays calendar?
The best source is your child’s school website or your local council’s education page. They provide the most accurate, official version for your area.