UK School Holidays 2027: England, Scotland, Wales & NI Term Dates
The 2027 UK school calendar spans the second half of academic year 2026–27 and the start of 2027–28. 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).
Provisional — pending official confirmation
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 2027: England, Scotland, Wales & NI Term Dates
| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 – 3Friday – Sunday | Christmas Holidays (Academic Year 2026–27 tail)Conclusion of the two-week winter break across the UK. Spring term begins on Monday 4 January in most regions. | Year-end holidays |
| Jan 4 – Feb 12Monday – Friday | Spring Term — First Half | Term |
| Feb 13 – 21Saturday – Sunday | February Half-Term BreakStandard one-week mid-term holiday in England, Wales and Scotland. | Mid-term break |
| Feb 22 – Mar 25Monday – Thursday | Spring Term — Second HalfTerm finishes ahead of Good Friday (26 March 2027). | Term |
| Mar 26 – Apr 11Friday – Sunday | Easter Holidays (Spring Break)Two-week Easter break spanning Good Friday (26 March) and Easter Monday (29 March). Summer term commences on Monday 12 April 2027. | Mid-year break |
| Apr 12 – May 28Monday – Friday | Summer Term — First HalfIncludes Early May Bank Holiday on Monday 3 May 2027 (schools closed). | Term |
| May 29 – Jun 6Saturday – Sunday | May / Whitsun Half-Term BreakOne-week holiday beginning with Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 31 May 2027. | Mid-term break |
| Jun 7 – Jul 23Monday – Friday | Summer Term — Second HalfIn Scotland, schools break up earlier, around late June (circa 25 June 2027). In England and Wales, term concludes around 23 July. | Term |
| Jul 24 – Aug 31Saturday – Tuesday | Summer Holidays (Academic Year 2026–27)Six-week summer holiday in England and Wales. (Scottish schools resume earlier in mid-August). | Summer break |
| Sep 1 – Oct 22Wednesday – Friday | Autumn Term — First Half (Academic Year 2027–28)New academic year begins on 1 September 2027 (INSET days typically on 1–2 September, pupils return 2–3 September). | Term |
| Oct 23 – 31Saturday – Sunday | October Half-Term BreakOne-week autumn half-term holiday across England, Wales and Scotland. | Mid-term break |
| Nov 1 – Dec 17Monday – Friday | Autumn Term — Second Half | Term |
| Dec 18 – 31Saturday – Friday | Christmas & New Year Holidays (Academic Year 2027–28)Two-week winter break spanning Christmas and New Year. Schools resume in early January 2028. | Year-end holidays |
Last updated: 2026-09-16 · Provisional — pending official confirmation
UK Bank Holidays vs. School Term Dates 2027
State schools in the UK are closed on all official bank holidays that fall within term time. For example, schools close on Easter Monday (29 March, though usually inside Easter break), the Early May Bank Holiday (Monday 3 May), and the Spring Bank Holiday (Monday 31 May, which starts the May half-term break).
Parents planning holidays should note that unauthorized term-time absences face statutory fines under UK Department for Education rules. Leveraging half-term weeks and bank holidays is the recommended way to arrange family trips.
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)
- Welsh Government — School term dates and holidaysVisit sourceWelsh Government (Llywodraeth Cymru)
Frequently asked questions
When do UK schools break up for the 2027 summer holidays?
In England and Wales, most state schools break up on Friday 23 July 2027 for a six-week summer holiday. Scottish schools finish earlier, typically in late June (around 25 June 2027).
Why do Scottish school holiday dates differ from England?
Education is fully devolved to the Scottish Government. Scottish schools start their academic year earlier in mid-August and conclude earlier in late June, meaning their summer holiday takes place from late June to mid-August.
Can academy and free schools set different holiday dates in 2027?
Yes. Academies, free schools, foundation schools and independent (private) schools in England have statutory autonomy to establish their own term dates, though many align broadly with their local council.
What are INSET days and how do they affect UK school term dates?
In-Service Education and Training (INSET) days are five professional development days each school year where teachers attend training and pupils do not attend school. Dates are determined by individual schools.
When are the 2027 Easter school holidays in the UK?
The Easter school holidays run from Friday 26 March to Sunday 11 April 2027 (two full weeks). Summer term resumes on Monday 12 April 2027.
