Planning South Lanarkshire school holidays can feel like a puzzle. With different term dates, half-term breaks, and in-service days, knowing when the kids are off is key for smooth family getaway planning. This guide cuts through the clutter, giving you the official calendar approved by the South Lanarkshire Council School.
We’ve gathered all the key dates for planning—from the Christmas holidays and Easter holidays to the long summer holidays and October break—so you can avoid last-minute surprises and plan with confidence.
Always confirm the schedule with the school directly via their school website link for the final word, especially for teacher training days and early finishes, like when school closes at 2.30 pm.
South Lanarkshire School Holidays 2025 to 2026
Here are the approved school holidays and term dates for the 2025-2026 academic year. This school calendar helps you visualize the school term structure, making it easier to book time off or plan activities around the autumn term dates, spring term dates, and summer term dates.
2025-2026 Academic Year
| Term/Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Half Term 2025 | 13 Feb 2025 | 14 Feb 2025 |
| Easter Holidays | 07 Apr 2025 | 18 Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term | 05 May 2025 | 26 May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 26 Jun 2025 | 11 Aug 2025 |
| Autumn Half Term (October Break) | 13 Oct 2025 | 17 Oct 2025 |
| Christmas Holidays | 20 Dec 2025 | 04 Jan 2026 |
| Spring Half Term 2026 | 16 Feb 2026 | 17 Feb 2026 |
| Easter Holidays | 02 Apr 2026 | 19 Apr 2026 |
The pupil’s return to class after the long summer break is a key date for holiday planning. Note that the 195 teacher attendance days include training sessions that are vital for the school year.
South Lanarkshire School Holidays 2026 to 2027
Mark your calendars for the 2026-2027 year. This schedule includes the Good Friday school holiday and other key breaks, approved to help families with long-term holiday planning.
2026-2027 Academic Year
| Term/Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Teachers Return / In-Service Days | 11 Aug 2026 | 12 Aug 2026 |
| Pupils Return | 13 Aug 2026 | – |
| September Weekend Holiday | 25 Sep 2026 | 28 Sep 2026 |
| October Break | 12 Oct 2026 | 16 Oct 2026 |
| In-Service Day | 09 Nov 2026 | – |
| Summer Holidays (Schools close at 1 pm) | 22 Dec 2026 | 06 Jan 2027 |
| February Break (Spring Break) | 15 Feb 2027 | 16 Feb 2027 |
| In-Service Day | 17 Feb 2027 | – |
| Good Friday & Easter Monday | 26 Mar 2027 | 29 Mar 2027 |
| Spring Break (Schools close at 2:30 pm on 2nd Apr) | 05 Apr 2027 | 16 Apr 2027 |
| Pupils Return | 19 Apr 2027 | – |
| May Day & In-Service Day | 03 May 2027 | 06 May 2027 |
| Local Holiday (Lanark) | 28 May 2027 | 31 May 2027 |
| Summer Holidays (Schools close at 1pm) | 25 Jun 2027 | – |
A key event in this academic year is the local holiday (Lanark), specific to Lanark schools. Always check for such variations.
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South Lanarkshire School Holidays 2027 to 2028
*Please note: The official dates for the 2027-2028 school holidays are typically approved by the Education Resources Committee in the preceding year (e.g., September 2026 for the 2026/27 calendar).*
2027-2028 Academic Year
| Term/Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Half Term (Estimated) | Mid-Feb 2028 | Mid-Feb 2028 |
| Easter Holidays (Estimated) | Late Mar 2028 | Mid-Apr 2028 |
| Summer Half Term (Estimated) | Late May 2028 | Late May 2028 |
| Summer Holidays (Estimated) | Late Jun 2028 | Mid-Aug 2028 |
| Autumn Half Term (Estimated) | Mid-Oct 2028 | Mid-Oct 2028 |
| Christmas Holidays (Estimated) | Late Dec 2028 | Early Jan 2029 |
These dates are projections based on the consistent pattern of the school term structure. For definitive term dates, the South Lanarkshire Council School will publish the approved calendar on its official website.
Understanding Key Holiday Periods in South Lanarkshire
Knowing the rhythm of the year makes planning easier. Here’s what to expect from the main breaks:
- October Break (Autumn Half Term): A welcome week off in the middle of the first term. Perfect for a short recharge before the run-up to Christmas.
- Christmas Holidays: Typically, a two-week break from late December to early January. Schools often finish early (e.g., at 2:30 pm) on the last day.
- Spring Break (February Half Term): A one-week break in February, sometimes preceded or followed by a staff training day.
- Easter Holidays: A two-week break that includes the Good Friday school holiday and Easter Monday. The dates shift each year based on the Easter calendar.
- Summer Holidays: The big six-week break, usually starting in late June. Schools often finish at 1 pm on the final day.
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School-Specific Holiday Information
While the tables above show the standard council calendar, it’s crucial to know that academies and free schools, like Hamilton Grammar School, have the flexibility to set their own term dates. Similarly, individual primary schools like Woodside Primary School may have slight variations, especially for in-service days.
The golden rule for stress-free planning? Once you’ve used this guide to get the general timeline, always confirm the schedule with the school by visiting your child’s specific school website. This is the best way to avoid last-minute surprises with any unique training days or local events.
Explore more school holidays:
- UK School Holidays
- England School Holidays
- Scotland School Holidays
- Wales School Holidays
- Northern Ireland School Holidays
- Fife School Holidays
- Glasgow School Holidays
- Hampshire School Holidays
Found this guide helpful? Bookmark the coming holidays for your future planning needs across the UK!
FAQs
What is the next school holiday in South Lanarkshire?
To find the very next holiday, please check the official South Lanarkshire Council School website linked below. Holiday dates change annually, and they provide the most current, real-time information.
When do Lanark schools close for the local holiday?
For the 2026/27 year, Lanark schools will be closed for their local holiday on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th June 2027. This differs from the general council holiday on 28th-31st May.
What time do schools close early for holidays?
Schools often have early finishes on the last day before a break. For example, before the Christmas holidays, they may close at 2:30 pm, and before the summer holidays, they may close at 1 pm. Your school will notify you of the exact times.
Who approves the South Lanarkshire school holiday dates?
The South Lanarkshire school holiday dates are officially approved by the council’s Education Resources Committee. They meet to set the official calendar for community- and voluntary-controlled schools.
Do all schools in South Lanarkshire follow the same dates?
No. While most follow the council calendar, academies and free schools can set their own term dates. Always double-check with your specific school’s website for their confirmed schedule.
