Northern Ireland School Holidays 2026 and 2027

Planning your family breaks and outdoor activities around the school calendar is crucial. This guide provides the official school holiday dates for Northern Ireland for the academic year, helping you stay ahead. Remember, dates might vary by council, so always check with your school for the final word.

Northern Ireland School Holidays and Term Dates

2025-2026 Term Dates

2026-2027 Term Dates

*Please note: Exact dates for the 2026/2027 academic year are typically released by the Education Authority closer to the time.*

Detailed School Term Dates and Holidays

Let’s break down the key school breaks that structure the academic calendar in NI.

• Autumn Half Term: Also known as the October Half Term or Halloween holidays, this is a short break in late October, perfect for a spooky-themed family break.
• Christmas Holiday: This extended holiday period covers the festive season, typically from just before Christmas until early January.
• Spring Half Term: A brief mid-term break in February to recharge before the run-up to Easter.
• Easter Holiday: The length of this break can vary, but it always centres around the Easter weekend, marking the end of the spring term.
• Summer Holiday: The longest and most anticipated break! Summer holidays in Northern Ireland usually begin in early July and run until the end of August.

A Guide to the School Year in NI

The academic year in the United Kingdom, and specifically in NI Schools, is divided into three terms, separated by the holiday periods listed above. The year kicks off in early September when schools resume, and ends the following July when the summer holiday begins. Understanding this flow makes planning your year much simpler.

Important Bank Holidays and Saints’ Days

Northern Ireland has several key dates that are school holidays. St Patrick’s Day (17 March) is a public holiday and almost always a day off for schools. Other bank holidays NI observes include the Spring Bank Holiday and May Day, which often fall within term time but give pupils a welcome day off.

Important Notice: Why Dates Can Vary

It’s crucial to know that the dates provided are guidance. Individual circumstances and decisions by your local council or school board can cause variations. Furthermore, all schools have several staff training days (also called school development days), on which pupils do not attend. These differ from school to school, so always confirm the final school calendar directly with your institution.

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

We hope this guide to NI school holidays empowers you to plan your year with confidence. From the Christmas holiday to the long summer holiday, having these important dates in the UK at your fingertips makes organising family time effortless.

For the most definitive source, always refer to the official Department of Education website.

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Nico Bevan

I've always helped people across the UK plan their year with reliable holiday insights. I'm passionate about accuracy and organization; I ensure every celebration and bank holiday is easy to plan for.