Bristol School Holidays, Half Term & Term Dates 2026 - 2027
Planning a family holiday? Need to mark your calendar for the next school break? You're in the right place. This page gives you a clear, up-to-date guide to all school term dates and holidays in Bristol for the 2026-2027 academic year.
In the UK, school term dates are typically set by local authorities; so in Bristol, that's usually Bristol City Council. Most schools in the area follow this calendar, but some academies and free schools may set their own schedules, so it's always best to double-check with your child's school.
We recommend confirming exact dates with your school. Below, you'll find a handy list of schools in Bristol, along with links to their official websites.
What's the next school holiday in Bristol?
23 Jul - 31 Aug
Summer
Starts in 14 days
Bristol School Holiday Dates Table 2026 - 2027
The next school holiday in Bristol is the Summer holiday, running from 23 July to 31 August. After that, the Autumn Half Term holiday will take place from 24 October to 1 November.
| Term | Holiday Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer Half Term | 25 May 2026 - 29 May 2026 |
| Summer | 23 July 2026 - 31 August 2026 |
| Autumn Half Term | 24 October 2026 - 1 November 2026 |
| Christmas | 19 December 2026 - 3 January 2027 |
| Spring Half Term | 15 February 2027 - 19 February 2027 |
| Easter | 26 March 2027 - 9 April 2027 |
| Summer Half Term | 31 May 2027 - 4 June 2027 |
| Summer | 26 July 2027 - 31 August 2027 |
Bristol School Term & Half Term Dates Table 2026 - 2027
The current school term in Bristol is the Summer, running from 20 April 2026to 22 July 2026.
| Term | Term Dates | Half Term Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | 20 April 2026 - 22 July 2026 | 25 May 2026 - 29 May 2026 |
| Autumn | 3 September 2026 - 18 December 2026 | 24 October 2026 - 1 November 2026 |
| Spring | 4 January 2027 - 25 March 2027 | 15 February 2027 - 19 February 2027 |
| Summer | 12 April 2027 - 23 July 2027 | 31 May 2027 - 4 June 2027 |
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Family Events During the Holidays in Bristol
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this school break? We’ve rounded up 4 fun, family-friendly events and activities happening in Bristol during the school holidays. From seasonal workshops to special exhibitions, there’s something for children of all ages. Check out the list below and start planning fun days out while schools are closed.
| Event | Description | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matilda the Musical | Roald Dahl's much-loved classic of an extraordinary child with magical powers has been reigning supreme at the Cambridge Theatre since 2012 and now sets out on a brand new UK tour! Combining the talents of Tim Minchin and the Royal Shakespeare Company, this extraordinary show has won seven Olivier Awards and has cap... | 26 June 2026 | Bristol Hippodrome |
| Bluey's Big Play | See Bluey and co come to life in this exciting puppetry production! Bluey | 16 August 2026 | Bristol Beacon |
| Back to the Future - the Musical | Great Scott! The DeLorean is primed and coming to you on a time-bending adventure! | 8 October - 21 November 2026 | Bristol Hippodrome |
| Candlelight: Christmas Classics | With a program covering Christmas classics from Wham to Wet Wet Wet, The Nutcracker to Feliz Navidad, fever's Candlelight Christmas Classics is a treat that'll get the family in the festive mood. So take a break from the dreaded Christmas shopping and the stress of the in-laws and enjoy an evening of musical merrime... | 18 December 2026 | Bristol Cathedral |
List of Schools in Bristol and Their Holiday Pages
Are you looking to find specific school holiday information for your school? Below is a list of schools in Bristol with direct links to their websites or dedicated holiday pages.
What’s the Difference Between a Term, a Half Term, and a Holiday?
- 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: The longer breaks between terms, such as Christmas, Easter, and Summer.
Each term consists of one half-term, and each term concludes with a holiday. This structure is consistent across most schools in the UK.
How Are School Term Dates Decided in Bristol City Council?
In Bristol, school term dates are usually set by Bristol City Council.
However, not all schools follow the same schedule. Academies, free schools and some faith schools have the freedom to set their own term dates and inset days, which can differ slightly. Always check with your school to be sure you’ve got the most accurate dates.
School Holiday, Term, Half Term Information for Other Cities within Bristol City Council
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the school holidays in Bristol?
School holidays in Bristol typically follow this annual pattern:
- October half-term: One week in October (24 October 2026 - 1 November 2026)
- Christmas holidays: Two weeks in December (19 December 2026 - 3 January 2027)
- February half-term: One week in February (15 February 2027 - 19 February 2027)
- Easter holidays: Two weeks around March/April (26 March 2027 - 9 April 2027)
- May half-term: One week in late May (25 May 2026 - 29 May 2026, 31 May 2027 - 4 June 2027)
- Summer holidays: Usually six weeks, beginning in late July (23 July 2026 - 31 August 2026, 26 July 2027 - 31 August 2027)
Keep in mind that exact dates can vary by school.
Do all Bristol schools follow the same term dates?
Do inset days count as school holidays in Bristol?
When do Bristol schools break up for Easter?
In Bristol, schools typically break up for the Easter holidays in late March or early April.
- In 2027, schools are expected to break up on 26 March 2027, with students typically returning by 9 April 2027.
When do Bristol schools break up for summer?
Summer holidays in Bristol usually begin in mid to late July:
- In 2026, the break is expected to start on 23 July 2026.
- In 2027, the break is expected to start on 26 July 2027.
The exact end-of-term date can differ slightly between schools, so check with your school for confirmation.
When do Bristol schools break up for Christmas?
Schools in Bristol generally break up for Christmas in mid to late December each year:
- In 2026, the break is expected to begin on 19 December 2026.
Most students return to school in early January the following year. Always refer to your school's official calendar for the most accurate information.