Planning your family breaks and outdoor activities around the school holidays in Wales can be tricky. Unlike the rest of the UK, each nation sets its own term dates. This essential guide provides the approved school term dates for Wales, covering Wales school holidays to help you organise your calendar with confidence.
Official Wales School Holidays and Term Dates
Here are the officially approved dates for the academic year in Wales. Please remember that these holiday dates can vary slightly by local authority, so always check with your school for the final word.
2025-2026 Term Dates
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term | 27/10/2025 | 31/10/2025 |
| Christmas Holidays | 22/12/2025 | 02/01/2026 |
| Spring Half Term | 16/02/2026 | 20/02/2026 |
| Easter Holiday | 30/03/2026 | 10/04/2026 |
| Summer Half Term | 25/05/2026 | 29/05/2026 |
| Summer Holidays | 23/07/2026 | 31/08/2026 |
2026-2027 Term Dates
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term | 26/10/2026 | 30/10/2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | 21/12/2026 | 01/01/2027 |
| Spring Half Term | 15/02/2027 | 19/02/2027 |
| Easter Holiday | 26/03/2027 | 09/04/2027 |
| Summer Half Term | 31/05/2027 | 04/06/2027 |
| Summer Holidays | 22/07/2027 | 31/08/2027 |
Detailed Wales School Term Dates and Holidays
Let’s break down the key school breaks throughout the year. Knowing the exact term start and end dates helps you plan everything from weekend breaks to longer getaways.
Autumn Half Term
A perfect week in late October for a spooky holiday in the UK or a relaxing family time reset before the run-up to Christmas.
Christmas Holiday
The Christmas holiday dates for Welsh schools offer a generous break for festive celebrations and welcoming the New Year with your loved ones.
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.
Spring Half Term
The spring half-term in Wales provides a late-winter respite in February, ideal for indoor activities or a last-minute ski trip.
Easter Holiday
The Easter Break dates can shift each year. It’s a fantastic opportunity for a spring family break as the Welsh countryside bursts into life.
Summer Half Term
A week-long break in late May or early June signals that the long summer holidays in Wales are just around the corner.
Summer Holiday
This is the big one! The six-week summer break is when most families plan their main outdoor activities and vacations. Wondering when schools break up for summer in Wales? Typically, it’s around the third week of July.
Important Note on Local Council Dates
While we provide the approved school term dates, it’s crucial to know that your specific local council dates might differ slightly. Schools can have a few designated inset days, which can alter the exact start and end of terms. Always check with your school directly for the most accurate and finalised timetable.
Key Dates for Parents: First Day of School
The first day of school in Wales for the 2025-2026 academic year is typically around Monday, 1st September 2025. This marks the official start of the autumn term.
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.
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
- Hampshire School Holidays
For absolute certainty, we highly recommend double-checking the official UK government website for Wales. Now that you have the dates, all that’s left is to start planning your unforgettable holiday in the UK!
FAQs
When are the summer holidays in Wales?
Yes, they are typically from late July to the end of August. For example, in 2025, they run from 22nd July to 29th August.
What are the approved term dates?
The approved school term dates are set by the Welsh Government. You can find the official list for all years on the GOV.WALES website.
When is the Easter break?
The Easter Break varies each year. For 2026, it is from 30th March to 10th April, and for 2027, it is from 26th March to 9th April.
Do term dates in Wales differ from England?
Yes. Wales, England, and Scotland all set their own school holidays. Always check the specific nation’s dates when planning UK holidays.
When does the 2026-2027 school year start?
The first day of school for the 2026-2027 academic year is expected to be around Tuesday, 1st September 2026.
