School HolidaysEngland School Holidays, Half Term & Term Dates

England School Holidays, Half Term & Term Dates 2025 - 2026

Stay ahead of the school calendar with this complete guide toEngland school holidays and term dates in 2025and 2026. Whether you're a parent arranging time off, a teacher planning lessons, or a student counting down to summer, this page has everything you need — from half-term schedules and downloadable calendars to school-specific variations.

School term dates in England can vary depending on the local authorities and the type of school; therefore, please verify the exact dates with your school.

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England School Term & Half Term Dates Table 2025 - 2026

TermTerm DatesHalf Term Dates
Autumn3 Sep 2024 - 20 Dec 202428 Oct 2024 - 1 Nov 2024
Spring6 Jan 2025 - 4 Apr 202517 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2025
Summer22 Apr 2025 - 21 Jul 202526 May 2025 - 30 May 2025

Differences in School holiday Calendars across the UK

School term dates and holidays aren't the same everywhere in the UK — they're managed differently depending on where you live. Here's how it breaks down by nation:

  • England & Wales: Term dates are usually set by local councils, but academies and free schools have the flexibility to create their own calendars. This means dates can vary even within the same area.
  • Scotland: Each local authority in Scotland sets its own dates. There's more regional variation here, even within the same term.
  • Northern Ireland: Term dates are more consistent across schools and are often set by the Education Authority. This means fewer differences between schools.

Always check directly with your local council or school website to confirm exact term dates.

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What’s the Difference Between a Term, a Half Term, and a Holiday?

Understanding the UK school calendar can be tricky — especially with terms, half-terms, and holidays all meaning different things. Here's how it breaks down:

  • Term: A block of time when schools are open, usually split into three per year — Autumn, Spring, and Summer.
  • Half Term: A short break in the middle of each term, typically lasting one week.
  • School Holidays: These are the longer school breaks between terms — such as Christmas, Easter, and the summer holidays. These can last two to six weeks, depending on the time of year.

While this structure is consistent across the UK, the exact dates can vary by region and school type, particularly in Scotland.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not always. While local councils publish official dates, academies, independent schools, and free schools may diverge from these. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, councils often have more freedom.
No. Inset days are staff-only training days, and students don't attend - but they don't count as official holidays.
Most schools begin in late August or early September, but exact start dates differ by nation and local authority.
Typically 6-7 weeks, starting in late June (Scotland) or late July (England, Wales, NI). Exact dates vary
Bank holidays usually fall within school breaks. For example, the Early May Bank Holiday may align with the summer half term. Check the calendar above for details.
If you're a parent, taking your child out of school during term time is only permitted under exceptional circumstances and may result in a fine. Always check with your school first if you're considering travel outside of official holiday dates.