Knowing the official Edinburgh school holidays and Edinburgh school term dates is crucial for booking trips, arranging childcare, and making the most of your time together. This essential school calendar covers the academic year, including key school breaks like the Christmas holidays and mid-term breaks.
Remember, schools set their own daily start and finish times, so always contact your school to confirm the last day of term finish time.
Edinburgh School Holidays 2025 to 2026
Here are the official Edinburgh school holiday dates for the 2025-2026 academic year. All listed dates are inclusive holiday dates, meaning the pupil return date is the day after the holiday ends.
2025-2026 Academic Year
| Term/Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term Starts | Wednesday 13 August 2025 | – |
| September Weekend (Autumn Holiday) | Monday 15 September 2025 | Monday 15 September 2025 |
| October Mid-Term Break | Monday 13 October 2025 | Monday 20 October 2025 |
| Term Ends | – | Friday 19 December 2025 |
| Christmas Holidays | Monday 22 December 2025 | Monday 5 January 2026 |
| Spring Term Starts | Tuesday 6 January 2026 | – |
| February Mid-Term Break | Monday 16 February 2026 | Friday 20 February 2026 |
| Term Ends | – | Thursday 2 April 2026 |
| Easter Holidays (includes Good Friday) | Friday 3 April 2026 | Monday 20 April 2026 |
| Summer Term Starts | Tuesday 21 April 2026 | – |
| May Day Holiday | Monday 4 May 2026 | Monday 4 May 2026 |
| Staff Only Day | Tuesday 5 May 2026 | Tuesday 5 May 2026 |
| Victoria Day Holiday | Monday 18 May 2026 | Monday 18 May 2026 |
| Term Ends (Summer Break Starts) | – | Friday 26 June 2026 |
Edinburgh School Holidays 2026 to 2027
Plan with these Edinburgh school holidays for the 2026-2027 school year. This schedule helps you lock in those precious family moments.
2026-2027 Academic Year
| Term/Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term Starts | Wednesday 12 August 2026 | – |
| September Weekend (Autumn Holiday) | Monday 14 September 2026 | Monday 14 September 2026 |
| October Mid-Term Break | Monday 12 October 2026 | Monday 19 October 2026 |
| Term Ends | – | Friday 18 December 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | Monday 21 December 2026 | Tuesday 5 January 2027 |
| Spring Term Starts | Wednesday 6 January 2027 | – |
| February Mid-Term Break | Monday 15 February 2027 | Friday 19 February 2027 |
| Good Friday | Friday 26 March 2027 | Friday 26 March 2027 |
| Easter Monday | Monday 29 March 2027 | Monday 29 March 2027 |
| Term Ends | – | Friday 2 April 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | Friday 2 April 2027 | Monday 19 April 2027 |
| Summer Term Starts | Tuesday 20 April 2027 | – |
| May Day Holiday | Monday 3 May 2027 | Monday 3 May 2027 |
| Staff Only Day | Tuesday 4 May 2027 | Tuesday 4 May 2027 |
| Victoria Day Holiday | Monday 24 May 2027 | Monday 24 May 2027 |
| Term Ends (Summer Break Starts) | – | Tuesday 29 June 2027 |
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.
Edinburgh School Holidays 2027 to 2028
While the Edinburgh City Council typically confirms dates a few years in advance, the pattern for 2027-2028 is expected to be similar. Edinburgh school term dates usually see the autumn term starting in mid-August. We will update this section with confirmed Edinburgh school holiday dates as soon as they are released by the council.
2027-2028 Academic Year
| Term/Holiday | Start Date (Estimated) | End Date (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term Starts | Mid-August 2027 | – |
| Autumn Holiday | Mid-September 2027 | Mid-September 2027 |
| October Mid-Term Break | Mid-October 2027 | Late October 2027 |
| Christmas Holidays | Late December 2027 | Early January 2028 |
| Spring Term Starts | Early January 2028 | – |
| February Half Term | Mid-February 2028 | Mid-February 2028 |
| Easter Holidays | Late March / Early April 2028 | Mid-April 2028 |
| Summer Term Starts | Mid-April 2028 | – |
| May Day & Victoria Day | Early & Late May 2028 | Early & Late May 2028 |
| Summer Holidays Start (Term Ends) | – | Late June 2028 |
Understanding Edinburgh School Holiday Details
Navigating the school calendar involves a few key details. First, inclusive holiday dates mean if a break is listed as 13th-20th, your child returns on the 21st. Secondly, while holiday dates are set by the Edinburgh City Council, individual schools set their own daily start and finish times. This is especially important on the last day of term, so it’s wise to contact your school directly. Also, watch for staff-only days (inset days), which are pupil-free.
Check the Official Source
For absolute certainty, especially for Edinburgh primary school term dates or Edinburgh secondary school term dates, always refer to the official Edinburgh City Council school website. You can also find information on the UK government website for broader guidance.
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.
Explore more school holidays:
- UK School Holidays
- England School Holidays
- Northern Ireland School Holidays
- Renfrewshire School Holidays
- Edinburgh School Holidays
- Fife School Holidays
- Glasgow School Holidays
- Hampshire School Holidays
Happy planning from all of us at Coming Holidays! For the most authoritative information, always double-check with the Edinburgh City Council.
FAQs
When do Edinburgh schools break up for summer 2026?
Edinburgh schools break up for the summer on Friday, 26 June 2026. The summer holidays officially begin on Monday, 29 June 2026.
What are the Edinburgh half-term dates for 2026?
The February half-term (mid-term break) for 2026 is from Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February 2026.
When is the Easter holiday in Edinburgh schools for 2026?
The Easter holiday in 2026 runs from Friday, 3 April, to Monday, 20 April 2026. Pupils return on Tuesday, 21 April.
Do Edinburgh school holiday dates include the last day listed?
Yes. Edinburgh school holiday dates are listed as inclusive. For example, a holiday ending on the 20th means pupils return on the 21st.
When do Edinburgh schools go back after the Christmas holidays in 2026?
After the Christmas holidays in 2026/27, Edinburgh schools go back on Wednesday, 6 January 2027, for the start of the spring term.
