Planning your family holidays during school breaks in the United Kingdom just got easier. This essential guide provides all the key UK school holidays for the academic year. Discover the first day of school, navigate the October half term, Christmas school holidays, Easter school holidays, February half term, and the long summer holiday. Remember, dates can vary by local council dates, so always confirm with your child’s school.
An Overview of School Holidays in the UK
Navigating the school calendar across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland can be tricky, as each nation sets its own term dates. Understanding these academic year schedules is crucial for effective family vacation planning. Beyond the main school breaks UK, remember that schools have school discretion for staff training days schools UK and pupil book days, so always check your school’s specific schedule.
UK School Holidays in 2025–2026
Here is a complete breakdown of the school holidays UK for the 2025/2026 academic year. All listed holiday dates inclusive.
School Holidays in England
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| October Half Term | 27/10/2025 | 31/10/2025 |
| Christmas Holidays | 22/12/2025 | 05/01/2026 |
| February Half Term | 16/02/2026 | 20/02/2026 |
| Easter Holidays | 30/03/2026 | 10/04/2026 |
| May Half Term | 25/05/2026 | 29/05/2026 |
| Summer Holidays | 20/07/2026 | 28/08/2026 |
School Holidays in Wales
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| October Half Term | 27/10/2025 | 31/10/2025 |
| Christmas Holidays | 22/12/2025 | 02/01/2026 |
| February Half Term | 16/02/2026 | 20/02/2026 |
| Easter Holidays | 30/03/2026 | 10/04/2026 |
| May Half Term | 25/05/2026 | 29/05/2026 |
| Summer Holidays | 21/07/2026 | 31/08/2026 |
School Holidays in Scotland
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| October Mid-Term | 13/10/2025 | 17/10/2025 |
| Christmas Holidays | 22/12/2025 | 05/01/2026 |
| February Mid-Term | 16/02/2026 | 20/02/2026 |
| Easter Holidays | 03/04/2026 | 20/04/2026 |
| May Day Bank Holiday | 04/05/2026 | 04/05/2026 |
| Summer Holidays | 29/06/2026 | 11/08/2026 |
School Holidays in Northern Ireland
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| October Half Term (Halloween) | 30/10/2025 | 31/10/2025 |
| Christmas Holidays | 22/12/2025 | 02/01/2026 |
| February Mid-Term Break | 12/02/2026 | 13/02/2026 |
| Easter Holidays | 02/04/2026 | 10/04/2026 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25/05/2026 | 25/05/2026 |
| Summer Holidays | 01/07/2026 | 31/08/2026 |
Need Help with UK Bank Holidays?
Have questions about upcoming UK bank holidays or planning time off? Get expert guidance from Coming Holidays and plan your year with clarity and confidence.
UK School Holidays in 2026–2027
Looking further ahead? Here are the projected UK School Holidays for 2026/2027.
School Holidays in England
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| October Half Term | 26/10/2026 | 30/10/2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | 21/12/2026 | 01/01/2027 |
| February Half Term | 15/02/2027 | 19/02/2027 |
| Easter Holidays | 26/03/2027 | 09/04/2027 |
| May Half Term | 31/05/2027 | 04/06/2027 |
| Summer Holidays | 22/07/2027 | 31/08/2027 |
School Holidays in Wales
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| October Half Term | 26/10/2026 | 30/10/2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | 21/12/2026 | 01/01/2027 |
| February Half Term | 15/02/2027 | 19/02/2027 |
| Easter Holidays | 26/03/2027 | 09/04/2027 |
| May Half Term | 31/05/2027 | 04/06/2027 |
| Summer Holidays | 22/07/2027 | 31/08/2027 |
School Holidays in Scotland
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| October Mid-Term | 12/10/2026 | 16/10/2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | 21/12/2026 | 05/01/2027 |
| February Mid-Term | 15/02/2027 | 19/02/2027 |
| Easter Holidays | 05/04/2027 | 16/04/2027 |
| May Day Bank Holiday | 03/05/2027 | 03/05/2027 |
| Summer Holidays | 30/06/2027 | 11/08/2027 |
School Holidays in Northern Ireland
Please note that official dates for Northern Ireland for 2026/2027 are typically confirmed closer to the time. We recommend checking the official Education Authority for Northern Ireland website for updates.
Important Bank Holidays & Special Dates
Bank holidays often align with school breaks UK, but it’s good to know the key ones. These are non-operational dates for most.
- St Patrick’s Day school holiday (17 March) is observed in Northern Ireland.
- St Andrew’s Day Scotland (30 November) is a bank holiday in Scotland.
- Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays across the UK.
- May Day bank holiday and the Spring Bank Holiday also provide lovely long weekend breaks.
A Note on School Variations and Key Dates
This is crucial: the dates provided are a guideline. Individual schools and local authorities have school discretion to set their own exact term dates. Always be aware of:
- Staff Training Days (INSET): Pupils do not attend on these days.
- Pupil Book Days: Similar to training days, these are for administrative work.
- School Starts & Resumes: The first day of school can vary, even within the same county.
Plan Your Year with Confidence
Explore the complete list of countries’ bank holidays and stay ahead with accurate dates, smart planning, and stress-free travel and work schedules.
Planning Your Family Vacation: Tips & Ideas
With the school calendar in hand, you can unlock fantastic family breaks. Book travel and accommodation early for the summer holiday and Christmas school holidays to get the best deals. Consider outdoor activities and exploring different parts of the UK for your holiday UK.
Childcare Options During School Breaks
Sorting childcare during school holidays in the UK is a top priority for working parents. Explore options like holiday clubs, childminders, and nannies. Your local council’s Children’s Centres activities and Youth Service holiday programs are also brilliant resources for school holiday activities in the UK.
A Guide for Expat Parents
If you’re new to the United Kingdom, welcome! The system of term dates and half-term breaks might be new. International schools’ UK holidays may also differ slightly. Use this guide as your starting planner, but always confirm dates directly with your child’s school for a smooth transition.
Explore more school holidays:
- UK School Holidays
- England School Holidays
- Scotland School Holidays
- Wales School Holidays
- Northern Ireland School Holidays
- Renfrewshire School Holidays
- Edinburgh School Holidays
- Fife School Holidays
- Glasgow School Holidays
For the most precise and legally binding information, please check the UK Government website.
Start planning your unforgettable family time today!
FAQs
Do all schools in the UK have the same holiday dates?
No. School holiday dates are set separately for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and can even vary between local councils and individual schools.
When is the first day of school in September 2026?
For most of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the first day of school is Monday, 1st September 2026. In Scotland, the term often starts in mid-August.
What are INSET days?
INSET days are staff training and school development days. Pupils do not attend school on these days, and the dates are set by each school.
Do schools close for bank holidays?
Yes, almost all schools in the UK are closed on national bank holidays.
