Ballater School Holidays, Half Term & Term Dates 2025 - 2026
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 Ballater for the 2025-2026 academic year.
In the UK, school term dates are typically set by local authorities; so in Ballater, that's usually Aberdeenshire 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 Ballater, along with links to their official websites.
What's the next school holiday in Ballater?
22 Dec - 2 Jan
Christmas
Starts in 35 days
Ballater School Holiday Dates Table 2025 - 2026
The next school holiday in Ballater is the Christmas holiday, running from 22 December to 2 January. After that, the Spring Half Term holiday will take place from 16 February to 20 February.
| Term | Holiday Dates |
|---|---|
| Spring Half Term | 17 February 2025 - 21 February 2025 |
| Easter | 7 April 2025 - 18 April 2025 |
| Summer Half Term | 26 May 2025 - 30 May 2025 |
| Summer | 3 July 2025 - 14 August 2025 |
| Autumn Half Term | 14 October 2025 - 25 October 2025 |
| Christmas | 22 December 2025 - 2 January 2026 |
| Spring Half Term | 16 February 2026 - 20 February 2026 |
| Summer Half Term | 16 February 2026 - 20 February 2026 |
| Easter | 30 March 2026 - 10 April 2026 |
| Summer | 7 July 2026 - 15 August 2026 |
| Autumn Half Term | 26 October 2026 - 30 October 2026 |
| Christmas | 23 December 2026 - 4 January 2027 |
Ballater School Term & Half Term Dates Table 2025 - 2026
| Term | Term Dates | Half Term Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 6 January 2025 - 3 April 2025 | 17 February 2025 - 21 February 2025 |
| Summer | 21 April 2025 - 4 July 2025 | 26 May 2025 - 30 May 2025 |
| Autumn | 18 August 2025 - 10 October 2025 | 14 October 2025 - 25 October 2025 |
| Spring | 5 January 2026 - 2 April 2026 | 16 February 2026 - 20 February 2026 |
| Summer | 5 May 2026 - 2 July 2026 | 16 February 2026 - 20 February 2026 |
| Autumn | 17 August 2026 - 22 December 2026 | 26 October 2026 - 30 October 2026 |
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Family Events During the Holidays in Ballater
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this school break? We’ve rounded up 3 fun, family-friendly events and activities happening in Ballater 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victorian Village Christmas | Christmas festivities in Ballater with potential market stalls, festive lights and entertainment. | 25 - 26 December 2025 | Ballater Village |
| Easter Family Fun Day (Provisional) | Potential family-friendly activities, details TBC. | 4 - 5 April 2026 | Ballater Village Green (TBC) |
| Ballater Victoria Week | Various events throughout the week, some of which will be family-friendly (details TBC). | 9 - 16 August 2026 | Various locations in Ballater |
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 Aberdeenshire Council?
In Ballater, school term dates are usually set by Aberdeenshire 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 Aberdeenshire Council
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the school holidays in Ballater?
School holidays in Ballater typically follow this annual pattern:
- October half-term: One week in October (14 October 2025 - 25 October 2025, 26 October 2026 - 30 October 2026)
- Christmas holidays: Two weeks in December (22 December 2025 - 2 January 2026, 23 December 2026 - 4 January 2027)
- February half-term: One week in February (17 February 2025 - 21 February 2025, 16 February 2026 - 20 February 2026)
- Easter holidays: Two weeks around March/April (7 April 2025 - 18 April 2025, 30 March 2026 - 10 April 2026)
- May half-term: One week in late May (26 May 2025 - 30 May 2025, 16 February 2026 - 20 February 2026)
Summer holidays: Usually six weeks, beginning in late July (3 July 2025 - 14 August 2025, 7 July 2026 - 15 August 2026)
Keep in mind that exact dates can vary by school.
Do all Ballater schools follow the same term dates?
Do inset days count as school holidays in Ballater?
When do Ballater schools break up for Easter?
In Ballater, schools typically break up for the Easter holidays in late March or early April.
- In 2025, schools are expected to break up on 7 April 2025, with students typicially returning by 18 April 2025.
- In 2026, most schools will likely finish on 30 March 2026, returning after the break on 10 April 2026.
When do Ballater schools break up for summer?
Summer holidays in Ballater usually begin in mid to late July:
- In 2025, the break is expected to start on 3 July 2025.
In 2026, schools will likely break up on 7 July 2026.
The exact end-of-term date can differ slightly between schools, so check with your school for confirmation.
When do Ballater schools break up for Christmas?
Schools in Ballater generally break up for Christmas in mid to late December each year:
- In 2025, the break is expected to begin on 22 December 2025.
In 2026, schools are likely to break up on 23 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.