School Holidays UK 2026
School holidays in the UK vary by region and local authority. This page provides a general overview of typical school holiday periods in 2026 and how they align with bank holidays. Always check with your local council or school for exact term dates.
Typical School Holiday Periods 2026
| Holiday | Typical Dates | Bank Holidays Included |
|---|---|---|
| February Half Term | Mid-February (1 week) | None |
| Easter Holidays | Late March to mid-April (2 weeks) | Good Friday (3 April), Easter Monday (6 April) |
| May Half Term | Late May (1 week) | Spring Bank Holiday (25 May) |
| Summer Holidays | Late July to early September (6 weeks) | Summer Bank Holiday (31 August or 3 August in Scotland) |
| October Half Term | Late October (1 week) | None |
| Christmas Holidays | Late December to early January (2 weeks) | Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day substitute (28 December), New Year’s Day (1 January 2027) |
Regional Variations
School term dates are set by local authorities in England and Wales, and by individual councils in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Dates can vary by several weeks between different areas. Independent schools set their own term dates, which often differ from state schools.
England
Local authorities set term dates for community schools. Academies and free schools can set their own dates. Most follow a similar pattern of six half terms with breaks at October, Christmas, February, Easter, May, and summer.
Wales
Welsh local authorities coordinate term dates, with most schools following similar patterns. The Welsh Government does not mandate specific dates.
Scotland
Scottish school holidays typically differ from England and Wales. Summer holidays often start and end earlier. The October break is usually two weeks rather than one. February has a mid-term break of one week.
Northern Ireland
The Education Authority sets common school holidays for schools in Northern Ireland. Some dates may vary for voluntary grammar schools and integrated schools.
Bank Holidays During School Terms
Several bank holidays fall during term time. Schools are closed on bank holidays regardless of the term dates. The early May bank holiday (4 May 2026) typically falls during term time. St Patrick’s Day (17 March) is a school holiday in Northern Ireland.