UK School Term Dates & Holidays
Important Note
The dates provided are a **general guide**. Term dates vary by local council and school type (e.g., academy, voluntary aided). You **must** confirm the official dates with your child's school or local authority.
2025 - 2026 Academic Year (Guide)
England & Wales
| Term | Starts | Half-Term | Ends | School Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Mon 1 Sept 2025 | 27 Oct - 31 Oct | Fri 19 Dec 2025 | 75 |
| Spring | Mon 5 Jan 2026 | 16 Feb - 20 Feb | Fri 27 Mar 2026 | 55 |
| Summer | Mon 13 Apr 2026 | 25 May - 29 May | Wed 22 Jul 2026 | 65 |
Scotland
| Term | Starts | Half-Term | Ends | School Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Wed 13 Aug 2025 | 13 Oct - 17 Oct | Fri 19 Dec 2025 | 85 |
| Spring | Mon 5 Jan 2026 | 9 Feb - 13 Feb | Fri 27 Mar 2026 | 55 |
| Summer | Mon 13 Apr 2026 | 4 May & 18 May | Fri 26 Jun 2026 | 50 |
Northern Ireland
| Term | Starts | Half-Term | Ends | School Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Mon 1 Sept 2025 | 27 Oct - 31 Oct | Fri 19 Dec 2025 | 75 |
| Spring | Mon 5 Jan 2026 | 16 Feb - 17 Feb | Fri 27 Mar 2026 | 55 |
| Summer | Mon 13 Apr 2026 | 25 May | Tue 30 Jun 2026 | 53 |
Independent Schools (Typical)
| Term | Starts | Half-Term | Ends | School Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michaelmas | Tue 2 Sept 2025 | 20 Oct - 31 Oct | Fri 12 Dec 2025 | ~69 |
| Lent | Tue 6 Jan 2026 | 16 Feb - 27 Feb | Fri 27 Mar 2026 | ~54 |
| Summer | Tue 21 Apr 2026 | 25 May - 29 May | Fri 10 Jul 2026 | ~57 |
Key Public Holidays 2025/26
Christmas/Boxing Day and New Year's Day fall within school holidays. Other key dates: Good Friday (3 Apr 2026), Easter Monday (6 Apr 2026), May Day (4 May 2026), Spring Bank Holiday (25 May 2026).
2024 - 2025 Academic Year (Guide)
England & Wales
| Term | Starts | Half-Term | Ends | School Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Mon 2 Sept 2024 | 28 Oct - 1 Nov | Fri 20 Dec 2024 | 75 |
| Spring | Mon 6 Jan 2025 | 17 Feb - 21 Feb | Fri 4 Apr 2025 | 60 |
| Summer | Tue 22 Apr 2025 | 26 May - 30 May | Tue 22 Jul 2025 | 60 |
Scotland
| Term | Starts | Half-Term | Ends | School Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Wed 14 Aug 2024 | 14 Oct - 18 Oct | Fri 20 Dec 2024 | 85 |
| Spring | Mon 6 Jan 2025 | 10 Feb - 14 Feb | Fri 4 Apr 2025 | 55 |
| Summer | Mon 21 Apr 2025 | 5 May & 19 May | Fri 27 Jun 2025 | 48 |
Northern Ireland
| Term | Starts | Half-Term | Ends | School Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Mon 2 Sept 2024 | 28 Oct - 1 Nov | Fri 20 Dec 2024 | 75 |
| Spring | Mon 6 Jan 2025 | 17 Feb - 18 Feb | Fri 11 Apr 2025 | 65 |
| Summer | Mon 28 Apr 2025 | 26 May | Mon 30 Jun 2025 | 45 |
Independent Schools (Typical)
| Term | Starts | Half-Term | Ends | School Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michaelmas | Tue 3 Sept 2024 | 21 Oct - 1 Nov | Fri 13 Dec 2024 | ~70 |
| Lent | Tue 7 Jan 2025 | 17 Feb - 28 Feb | Fri 4 Apr 2025 | ~54 |
| Summer | Tue 29 Apr 2025 | 26 May - 30 May | Fri 11 Jul 2025 | ~52 |
Key Public Holidays 2024/25
Good Friday (18 Apr 2025), Easter Monday (21 Apr 2025), May Day (5 May 2025), Spring Bank Holiday (26 May 2025), August Bank Holiday (25 Aug 2025).
