UK School Holidays: November 2024 to January 2025 – What Parents Should Know

2025 U.K School Holidays: Full List of Dates, and Key Days

Planning ahead is the easiest way to keep family schedules under control. School calendars shape everything from travel plans to childcare arrangements, so having a clear view of all major dates helps you avoid last minute stress. This guide gathers every core school holiday and key day across the United Kingdom for 2026. It is designed to be simple to scan, easy to remember, and ready to use for trip planning or school term preparation.

While most U.K. nations share similar break patterns, local councils can set their own term dates. The tables below give the widely used national framework for 2026, followed by the public holidays that often influence break lengths. Families should always double check final dates with their local authority or school, but this guide offers a reliable baseline for forward planning.

2026 U.K. School Holidays: Full Calendar of Dates and Must Know Breaks

England School Holidays 2026

Most schools in England follow a three term structure: Spring, Summer, and Autumn. The 2026 term dates below reflect the typical pattern used by many councils.

England Term Dates 2026

What Parents Should Note

• Easter moves each year, and in 2026 Easter Sunday falls on 5 April.

• Local authorities can shift the start or end of term by one or two days.

• Academy and free schools can set their own calendars, though they often follow council patterns.

Scotland School Holidays 2026

Scotland uses different term structures from England. Most councils operate on a longer summer break and shorter terms spread across the academic year.

Scotland Term Dates 2026

Scotland Notes

• Scotland typically finishes the school year earlier than the rest of the U.K.

• Some councils give extra local holidays in September and November.

• Secondary and primary calendars almost always align across a council.

Wales School Holidays 2026

Wales follows a structure similar to England, with three main terms and two half terms. However, start and end dates can shift slightly from region to region.

Wales Term Dates 2026

Wales Notes

• Wales tends to match England’s schedule closely, though school inset days may alter return dates by one or two days.

• The long summer break usually runs late July through early September.

Northern Ireland School Holidays 2026

Northern Ireland follows a different pattern from Great Britain. Term dates are more fixed and changes from school to school are smaller.

Northern Ireland Term Dates 2026

Northern Ireland Notes

• Schools close earlier for the summer compared to the rest of the U.K.

• There is no May half term as seen in England and Wales.

• Many schools take two additional discretionary days during the year.

Key 2026 U.K. Public Holidays That Affect School Calendars

Public holidays shape many school breaks, especially Easter and Christmas. Here are the key national days for 2026.

U.K. Public Holidays 2026

These dates help determine the timing of half terms and the length of spring and winter breaks.

Quick Planner: Side by Side Comparison

This condensed view makes it easy to see how each nation lines up for the year.

This overview is helpful for families living near national borders or coordinating travel with relatives across the U.K.

Tips for Parents Planning Around 2026 School Holidays

Book transport and accommodation early. Summer 2026 includes major international events and peak European travel periods, which can push prices higher.

Check inset days. Many schools add teacher training days at the start or end of terms. These days vary by school, not by council.

Look for cheaper travel windows. The weeks leading up to the Easter break and the second half of August often offer better deals than the main holiday peaks.

Track changes from your school. Councils publish finalised calendars about a year in advance, but individual schools can still adjust around local needs.

Plan backup childcare for half terms. February and October breaks can catch families off guard. Mark them early on your calendar.

Why 2026 Has Slightly Different Patterns

Two key factors shape the 2026 calendar:

1. Easter falls early. Easter Sunday lands on 5 April 2026, pushing the spring term break into late March and early April for all nations.

2. Calendar alignment overlaps with weekends. Several public holidays fall near weekends, which creates substitute days that shift the flow of term starts.

These factors matter because councils often adjust holiday lengths to maintain consistent week structures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will all schools follow these exact 2026 dates?

Not always. These dates reflect the most common national frameworks. Each local authority and academy trust can set its own term calendar, so parents should confirm with their school.

Why do Scotland and Northern Ireland start summer earlier?

Their academic calendars are structured differently, with earlier summer closure and earlier autumn return. This tradition has been in place for decades.

Is Easter always at the same time each year?

No. Easter shifts according to the lunar calendar. Because of this, spring term lengths vary every year.

Are teacher training days included in these dates?

No. Inset days are added locally and often create one day of extra closure at the start or end of a term.

Do independent schools follow the same holidays?

Independent schools often set their own term dates. Their holidays can be longer, especially in autumn and spring.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 U.K. school holiday calendar is predictable, clear, and broadly aligned across nations. Knowing the major breaks and public holidays early gives families time to plan travel, arrange childcare, and prepare budgets. Although individual schools may adjust their calendars, the dates above provide a reliable guide to what most families can expect in 2026.

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