UK School Holidays 2026: England, Scotland, Wales & NI Term Dates
The 2026 UK school calendar spans the second half of academic year 2025–26 and the start of 2026–27. In England and Wales, state schools follow a three-term structure with six holiday periods: three one-week half-term breaks, two weeks at Easter and Christmas, and a six-week summer break starting in late July. Scotland operates on earlier term dates (schools return in mid-August and break up in late June), while Northern Ireland sets standardized term dates via the Education Authority (EA).
In England and Wales, local authorities set guideline term dates, but academies, voluntary-aided and foundation schools are legally free to set their own dates. Scotland’s 32 local councils set dates locally. Always verify your specific school’s calendar for teacher-training INSET days.
UK School Holidays 2026: England, Scotland, Wales & NI Term Dates
| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 – 4Thursday – Sunday | Christmas Holidays (Academic Year 2025–26 tail)Winter holiday tail. Spring term resumes on Monday 5 January in most regions. | Year-end holidays |
| Jan 5 – Feb 13Monday – Friday | Spring Term — First Half | Term |
| Feb 14 – 22Saturday – Sunday | February Half-Term BreakStandard one-week mid-term holiday in England, Wales and Scotland. | Mid-term break |
| Feb 23 – Mar 27Monday – Friday | Spring Term — Second HalfTerm finishes ahead of Easter break (Good Friday is 3 April 2026). | Term |
| Mar 28 – Apr 12Saturday – Sunday | Easter Holidays (Spring Break)Two-week holiday covering Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April). | Mid-year break |
| Apr 13 – May 22Monday – Friday | Summer Term — First HalfIncludes Early May Bank Holiday on Monday 4 May 2026 (schools closed). | Term |
| May 23 – 31Saturday – Sunday | May / Whitsun Half-Term BreakOne-week holiday beginning with Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 25 May 2026. | Mid-term break |
| Jun 1 – Jul 22Monday – Wednesday | Summer Term — Second HalfScottish schools conclude earlier in late June. English and Welsh schools finish around 22 July. | Term |
| Jul 23 – Aug 31Thursday – Monday | Summer Holidays (Academic Year 2025–26)Six-week summer holiday in England and Wales. Scottish schools return mid-August. | Summer break |
| Sep 1 – Oct 23Tuesday – Friday | Autumn Term — First Half (Academic Year 2026–27)New academic year begins on 1 September 2026. | Term |
| Oct 24 – Nov 1Saturday – Sunday | October Half-Term BreakOne-week autumn half-term holiday across England, Wales and Scotland. | Mid-term break |
| Nov 2 – Dec 18Monday – Friday | Autumn Term — Second Half | Term |
| Dec 19 – 31Saturday – Thursday | Christmas & New Year Holidays (Academic Year 2026–27)Two-week winter break spanning Christmas and New Year. Schools resume in early January 2027. | Year-end holidays |
Last updated: 2026-09-16 · Dates officially confirmed
UK Bank Holidays vs. School Term Dates 2026
State schools in the UK are closed on all official bank holidays that fall within term time. For example, schools close on Easter Monday (6 April), the Early May Bank Holiday (Monday 4 May), and the Spring Bank Holiday (Monday 25 May).
Official sources & data
- GOV.UK — School term and holiday datesVisit sourceDepartment for Education (DfE)
- Scottish Government — School term datesVisit sourceThe Scottish Government (Riaghaltas na h-Alba)
Frequently asked questions
When do UK schools break up for the 2026 summer holidays?
In England and Wales, most state schools break up on Wednesday 22 July 2026 for a six-week summer holiday. Scottish schools finish earlier, in late June.
Why do Scottish school holiday dates differ from England?
Education is fully devolved to the Scottish Government. Scottish schools start earlier in mid-August and finish earlier in late June.
Can academy and free schools set different holiday dates in 2026?
Yes. Academies, free schools and independent schools in England have statutory autonomy to establish their own term dates.
What are INSET days in UK schools?
INSET days are five professional training days per year where teachers attend school for development while pupils remain home.
When are the 2026 Easter school holidays in the UK?
The Easter school holidays run from Saturday 28 March to Sunday 12 April 2026 (two full weeks).
