School term dates 2026/27
There is no single set of UK term dates.
Councils, academy trusts and individual schools set their own. In 2026/27, most schools in England and Wales have October half term from 26 to 30 October 2026 and May half term from 31 May to 4 June 2027. Scotland returned in mid-August; Northern Ireland breaks up at the end of June.
The GOV.UK postcode lookup covers England and Wales. Academies, free schools, foundation and voluntary aided schools can differ, so check the school's own website too.
The usual pattern in each nation
These are typical dates, taken from the councils and governments named under the table. Your school's dates may be a few days different.
| 2026/27 | England | Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term starts | Early September (Birmingham: Tue 1 Sep 2026) | Tue 1 Sep 2026 | Mid-August (Edinburgh: Wed 12 Aug 2026) | Tue 1 Sep 2026 |
| October break | 26–30 Oct | 26–30 Oct | Often 2 weeks (Edinburgh: 12–16 Oct, plus 9 and 19 Oct) | 29–30 Oct (Halloween) |
| Christmas | 21 Dec–1 Jan | 21 Dec–1 Jan | 21 Dec–5 Jan (Edinburgh) | 21 Dec–1 Jan |
| February | 15–19 Feb | 8–12 Feb | 15–19 Feb, plus 12 Feb (Edinburgh) | 11–12 Feb |
| Easter | Varies: 26 Mar–9 Apr (Birmingham) or 5–16 Apr (Leeds) | 22 Mar–2 Apr | 5–16 Apr (Edinburgh) | 25 Mar–2 Apr |
| May and June | 31 May–4 Jun | 31 May–4 Jun | Single days, such as 3 May and 24 May (Edinburgh) | 3 May and 31 May |
| Summer holiday | From about 22 Jul 2027 | From 21 Jul 2027 (Powys: 19 Jul) | From late June (Edinburgh: 30 Jun 2027) | From 1 Jul 2027 |
Sources: Birmingham City Council, Leeds City Council, Welsh Government approved term dates, City of Edinburgh Council and the Department of Education (NI), all checked on 1 October 2026.
The biggest split in England is Easter 2027. Good Friday is 26 March and Easter Monday is 29 March, so some councils start the holiday at Easter and others keep the first two full weeks of April. Families with children at schools in different areas should check both. Bank holiday dates are on the UK bank holidays page.
Who sets term dates?
- England: the council sets dates for community and voluntary controlled schools. Academies, free schools, foundation and voluntary aided schools set their own, though many follow the council. Schools must open for at least 380 sessions, or 190 days, a year under the School Day and School Year Regulations 1999.
- Wales: the Welsh Government publishes the approved dates for all 22 councils. In 2026/27 they are the same everywhere except that Powys ends the autumn term on 22 December and the summer term on 16 July. Proposals to change the shape of the Welsh school year were put back and do not affect 2026/27.
- Scotland: each of the 32 councils sets its own dates for at least 190 school days. Schools go back in mid-August and break up in late June, about three weeks earlier than England at both ends.
- Northern Ireland: schools open for 200 days a year, and school sectors agree the main holidays together each year (nidirect). Each school can still vary them. In 2026/27 the Education Minister also added three closure days: 25 September 2026, 25 January 2027 and 4 May 2027.
How to find your school's exact dates
- In England and Wales, enter your postcode on GOV.UK's school term and holiday dates page, which sends you to your council.
- If your child's school is an academy, free school or church school, check the school's website, because its dates may differ from the council's.
- In Scotland, go to your council's website. In Northern Ireland, ask the school.
- Ask the school for its training (INSET) days. They are set by each school, are not on council lists, and are days when pupils stay at home.
To see the whole year at a glance, use the 2026/27 academic calendar or the 2027 calendar, and for the Christmas holidays, see how many days until Christmas. Exam season runs through the summer term; the dates are on the GCSE and A-level exam dates page.
Frequently asked questions
When is October half term 2026?
Most schools in England and Wales break up on Friday 23 October and are off from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026. Northern Ireland has 29 and 30 October. Scottish schools usually have a longer October break that starts earlier in the month.
When do schools break up for Christmas 2026?
Council schools in Wales, and in many English areas such as Birmingham and Leeds, finish on Friday 18 December 2026 and go back on Monday 4 January 2027. Some schools finish on a different day, so check yours.
When is Easter holiday 2027?
It depends on the area. Easter Sunday is 28 March 2027. Some English councils have 26 March to 9 April, others 5 to 16 April. Wales has 22 March to 2 April.
When is May half term 2027?
Monday 31 May to Friday 4 June 2027 in most of England and Wales. The Spring bank holiday is on Monday 31 May.
Can I take my child on holiday in term time?
In England, only if the head teacher gives permission in exceptional circumstances; otherwise the council can issue a fine. Rules differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so ask the school first.