How Many Terms Are in a School Year in the UK?

Starting at a new school or moving to the UK? Don't worry – we'll help you crack the code on how UK schools work!

The UK school year is pretty straightforward once you know the basics. Let's dive in and make sense of it all.

UK School Terms

Here's the simple answer: Most UK schools split the year into three main terms.

Think of it like dividing a chocolate bar into three pieces:

• Autumn Term (September–December)

• Spring Term (January–March/April)

• Summer Term (April–July)

Each term gets chopped in half by a week-long break called "half-term". It's like getting a mini-holiday right when you need it most!

This three-term system has been working brilliantly for decades. It gives you regular breaks to recharge without losing your learning momentum.

UK School Term Breakdown by Month

Let's break down exactly when each term happens and what to expect.

Autumn Term

This is where your school year adventure begins!

The Autumn Term kicks off in early September. Most schools start during the first week of September.

You'll be back in lessons until mid-December, just before the Christmas holidays start. Perfect timing for some festive fun!

There's a lovely autumn half-term break in late October. This week off helps you catch your breath after getting back into school routines.

The Autumn Term is usually the longest at about 13–15 weeks total. Don't worry, though – it flies by with all the excitement of starting fresh!

Spring Term

After your Christmas break, it's time for the Spring Term.

Everything kicks off again in early January, usually the first week after New Year's Day. The term wraps up in late March or early April, perfectly timed for Easter holidays.

You get another brilliant half-term break in mid-February. This winter break is amazing for recharging during the coldest part of the year.

Spring Term is the shortest at around 11–12 weeks. It balances out nicely with that longer Autumn Term.

Summer Term

The final stretch takes you all the way to summer holidays.

Summer Term starts in mid to late April, picking up after Easter. The term ends sometime in July – the exact date depends on your school and where you live.

The half-term break happens in late May to early June. Many schools call this the "Whitsun" break, though you might just know it as half-term.

Summer Term typically runs 10–12 weeks. It's packed with exciting stuff like exams, sports day, and end-of-year celebrations.

What About Private Schools?

Independent schools usually follow the same three-term pattern.

But here's the thing – they often have a bit more flexibility with their calendars. (opens in a new tab)Private school term dates may vary slightly from state schools (opens in a new tab), and they often get longer holidays (lucky them!).

Some private schools use fancy traditional names for their terms. You might hear "Michaelmas" instead of Autumn, "Lent" instead of Spring, and "Trinity" or "Easter" instead of Summer.

Always check your individual school's calendar. (opens in a new tab)These dates don't apply to academies, foundation schools, or free schools – they can set their own dates.

Differences Across the UK: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Here's where it gets interesting – the UK isn't totally uniform.

England, Wales, and Northern Ireland all stick to the standard 3-term model we've described. The timing stays pretty consistent across these countries.

But Scotland? They like to do things differently. (opens in a new tab)School term and holiday dates vary across Scotland (opens in a new tab), and Scottish schools often start their academic year earlier than schools down south.

Even within the same country, there are regional differences. Local councils can adjust dates based on local needs and traditions.

That's why (opens in a new tab)you should always check your specific local council's website for exact term dates (opens in a new tab) in your area.

Total Weeks in a UK School Year

So how much time do you actually spend in school each year?

Schools must provide at least 190 days of teaching (opens in a new tab), which works out to about 38–39 weeks total.

This covers all your actual learning time but doesn't include holidays. (opens in a new tab)Schools also get 5 INSET days for teacher training (opens in a new tab), which means teachers are in school, but you get the day off.

These weeks spread nicely across the three terms, with proper breaks in between. It's designed to balance learning time with essential rest periods.

The exact number varies slightly between different schools and regions, but 38–39 weeks is the standard target.

Term Dates and Exam Seasons

Understanding exam timing is crucial for planning your revision.

GCSE and A Level exams mostly happen during Summer Term, specifically in May and June. This gives you the full academic year to prepare and learn everything you need.

Coursework deadlines and mock exams often pop up in Spring Term. These give you valuable practice before the real deal and help teachers see how you're doing.

Most schools spread their internal exams and assessments throughout all three terms. Each school has its own testing calendar.

Keep track of deadlines across terms – your coursework and revision often span multiple terms, so good planning is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all UK schools have the same term dates?

No – while most schools follow the three-term structure, exact dates can be different.

Local authorities set recommended term dates for maintained schools (opens in a new tab). However, academies, free schools, and independent schools can set their own dates.

Always check your specific school or local council's website (opens in a new tab) for the most accurate dates before booking any holidays. 

Are term dates the same every year?

Term dates shift slightly from year to year. This happens because schools avoid starting or ending terms on weekends.

The overall structure stays the same – you'll always get three terms with half-term breaks. But specific start and end dates might move by a few days each year.

Schools usually publish their dates well in advance to help families plan. 

How many weeks are in each school term?

Each term varies in length:

• Autumn Term: 13–15 weeks (the longest)

• Spring Term: 11–12 weeks (the shortest)

• Summer Term: 10–12 weeks

These lengths include the half-term breaks within each term. The different lengths help balance the year around major holidays like Christmas and Easter.

What's the difference between a term and a semester?

Terms and semesters are different ways of chopping up the school year.

The UK uses three terms (Autumn, Spring, Summer), whilst countries like America use two semesters (Fall and Spring).

UK terms are shorter than semesters and include those brilliant half-term breaks in the middle. You get more frequent, shorter breaks rather than longer gaps.

When does the UK school year usually start and end?

The UK school year typically starts in early September and ends in mid to late July.

Most schools return after summer holidays during the first week of September. The year wraps up in July, though the exact date varies by school and region.

This timing has stuck around for decades and works brilliantly with the seasons and traditional holiday patterns.

Remember to always check your specific school's calendar for exact term dates! Different schools and areas can have slight variations. For the most up-to-date information, (opens in a new tab)visit your local council's education website (opens in a new tab) or contact your school directly.

References

1. School term and holiday dates - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)

2. View school term and holiday dates | Aberdeen City Council (opens in a new tab)

3. School term dates | London Borough of Hounslow (opens in a new tab)

4. School term and holiday dates | London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (opens in a new tab)

5. School holiday and term dates - Durham County Council (opens in a new tab)

6. School holidays and term dates | Sheffield City Council (opens in a new tab)