Planning family time around RCT school holidays just got easier. Whether you’re booking a spring holiday or need to know school term dates across Wales, we’ve got you covered. From autumn term start dates to summer term finish lines, understanding the school calendar helps you make the most of every school break.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about term dates Wales, including RCT holidays, INSET days, and those all-important May Bank Holidays that create long weekends during term time.
RCT School Holidays 2025 to 2026
Here are the RCT school holidays and term dates for 2025-2026 Academic Year.
2025-2026 Academic Year
| Term/Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Monday 1 September 2025 | Friday 24 October 2025 |
| Autumn Half Term | Monday 27 October 2025 | Friday 31 October 2025 |
| Autumn Term | Monday 3 November 2025 | Friday 19 December 2025 |
| Christmas Holidays | Monday 22 December 2025 | Friday 2 January 2026 |
| Spring Term | Monday 5 January 2026 | Friday 13 February 2026 |
| Spring Half Term | Monday 16 February 2026 | Friday 20 February 2026 |
| Spring Term | Monday 23 February 2026 | Friday 27 March 2026 |
| Easter Holidays | Monday 30 March 2026 | Friday 10 April 2026 |
| Summer Term | Monday 13 April 2026 | Friday 22 May 2026 |
| Summer Half Term | Monday 25 May 2026 | Friday 29 May 2026 |
| Summer Term | Monday 1 June 2026 | Monday 20 July 2026 |
RCT School Holidays 2026 to 2027
Here are the RCT school holidays and term dates for 2026-2027 Academic Year.
2026-2027 Academic Year
| Term/Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Tuesday 1 September 2026 | Friday 23 October 2026 |
| Autumn Half Term | Monday 26 October 2026 | Friday 30 October 2026 |
| Autumn Term | Monday 2 November 2026 | Friday 18 December 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | Monday 21 December 2026 | Friday 1 January 2027 |
| Spring Term | Monday 4 January 2027 | Friday 5 February 2027 |
| Spring Half Term | Monday 8 February 2027 | Friday 12 February 2027 |
| Spring Term | Monday 15 February 2027 | Friday 19 March 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | Monday 22 March 2027 | Friday 2 April 2027 |
| Summer Term | Monday 5 April 2027 | Friday 28 May 2027 |
| Summer Half Term | Monday 31 May 2027 | Friday 4 June 2027 |
| Summer Term | Monday 7 June 2027 | Tuesday 20 July 2027 |
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RCT School Holidays 2027 to 2028
Here are the RCT school holidays and term dates for 2027-2028 Academic Year.
2027-2028 Academic Year
*Please note: Dates for the 2027-2028 academic year are provisional based on historical patterns. Official confirmation from RCT Council is expected in early 2027.*
| Term/Holiday | Provisional Start | Provisional End |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Wednesday 1 September 2027 | Friday 22 October 2027 |
| Autumn Half Term | Monday 25 October 2027 | Friday 29 October 2027 |
| Autumn Term | Monday 1 November 2027 | Friday 17 December 2027 |
| Christmas Holidays | Monday 20 December 2027 | Friday 31 December 2027 |
| Spring Term | Tuesday 4 January 2028 | Friday 11 February 2028 |
| Spring Half Term | Monday 14 February 2028 | Friday 18 February 2028 |
| Spring Term | Monday 21 February 2028 | Friday 31 March 2028 |
| Easter Holidays | Monday 3 April 2028 | Friday 14 April 2028 |
| Summer Term | Monday 17 April 2028 | Friday 26 May 2028 |
| Summer Half Term | Monday 29 May 2028 | Friday 2 June 2028 |
| Summer Term | Monday 5 June 2028 | Friday 21 July 2028 |
Knowing your RCT school holidays and term times well in advance makes family planning so much simpler. Many parents find that booking summer holidays RCT early saves money, while understanding term start dates helps coordinate childcare arrangements with grandparents and friends. The academic year Wales follows a consistent pattern, though secondary school holidays sometimes vary slightly from primary school terms.
RCT School Holidays: A Detailed Breakdown
Autumn Term
The autumn term kicks off in September, usually starting on a Tuesday or Wednesday to allow for the May Day Bank Holiday adjustments earlier in the year. This term features the October half term break, typically the last full week of October. It’s a long stretch from September to Christmas, with the Christmas holidays beginning around 20th-22nd December. Schools often use these final days before the break for festive activities and significant dates like Christmas performances.
Spring Term
The spring term begins in early January, right after New Year. This term includes the February half term (mid-February) and leads into the Easter holidays. The timing of Easter holidays varies each year, which is why checking RCT school term dates annually is essential. Some years, Easter falls in late March; other years, it stretches into mid-April. This term also includes Good Friday and Easter Monday as statutory holidays.
Summer Term
Summer term is the final stretch of the academic year Wales. It runs from mid-April through to late July, featuring the May Bank Holidays (early and late May) and the spring half term (late May/early June). The last day of school typically falls around 20th-22nd July. This term often includes sports days, end-of-year trips, and transition activities for students moving between schools or year groups.
RCT INSET Days
INSET days (In-Service Training Days) are when teachers receive professional development while schools are closed to pupils. These teacher training days are crucial for staff consultation and planning, but they can catch parents off guard.
Designated INSET days for RCT LEA Maintained Schools:
| Academic Year | Confirmed INSET Dates |
|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | Monday 1 September 2025, Monday 20 July 2026 |
| 2026-2027 | Tuesday 1 September 2026 |
Parents should check their individual school’s website or newsletter for the complete INSET day schedule. These non-pupil days are excellent opportunities for dental appointments or family time, but they require advance notice for working parents.
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.
RCT Public Holidays During Term Time
Several public holidays Wales fall within standard term time, creating automatic long weekends. Here are the key dates affecting school attendance:
2025-2026 Public Holidays:
- May Day Bank Holiday: Monday 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 25 May 2026
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday 6 April 2026
2026-2027 Public Holidays:
- May Day Bank Holiday: Monday 3 May 2027
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 31 May 2027
- Good Friday: Friday 26 March 2027
- Easter Monday: Monday 29 March 2027
All LA Maintained Schools close on these bank holidays. If you’re planning term-time breaks, remember that taking children out of school during term time requires headteacher approval and is generally discouraged except in exceptional circumstances.
Explore more school holidays:
- UK School Holidays
- England School Holidays
- Wales School Holidays
- Northern Ireland School Holidays
- Edinburgh School Holidays
- Fife School Holidays
- Norfolk School Holidays
- Leeds School Holidays
FAQs
How many INSET days do RCT schools have?
Five per academic year. Two are designated by the education authority dates, with three remaining at school discretion following staff consultation.
Are RCT school holidays the same for all schools?
Mostly yes for LEA Maintained Schools. However, secondary school holidays sometimes differ slightly from primary school terms for specific events. Academies and voluntary-aided schools may set their own term dates Wales.
What’s the difference between half term and INSET days?
Half term is a scheduled break for all students. INSET days are school closure dates for student while teachers attend in-service days and teacher training days.
Do RCT schools close for May Day Bank Holiday?
Yes. All LA Maintained Schools close for the May Day Bank Holiday and Spring Bank Holiday each year.
Can schools change their term dates?
Individual schools have school discretion over three INSET days but must follow the core academic calendar set by the council school calendar.
When is February half term in RCT?
February half term typically falls in mid-February. For 2026: 16th-20th February. For 2027: 8th-12th February.
What are twilight sessions?
Twilight sessions are after-school teacher training days that don’t require school closure. Staff stay late for training while students attend normal hours.
Official Resources
For the most up-to-date RCT school holidays, term dates and official announcements:
- RCT Council Website
- UK Government Education Portal: www.gov.uk