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UK School Holiday Term Dates for 2024/25 | How to Plan Your Trip

James | 05th Jan 2025

Are you already thinking about the next school holiday in the UK? It’s never too early to plan ahead! Whether you’re organizing a family trip or just need to know when to book time off, knowing the school holiday dates for 2025/26 is key. Every year, families across the UK look for the most accurate school term dates to make sure they don’t miss out on valuable time with their kids. In this guide, we’ll give you all the info you need about the UK school holidays, helping you stay ahead of the game so you can make the most of the upcoming school year.
Let’s dive in!

For up-to-date and official term date information, visit the UK Government School Term page and your school website which will provide the most accurate details.

It is important for parents to know when their kids’ schools are off in 2024 and 2025 so they can plan trips, both short and long, that will suit the needs of the whole family.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

When are the UK School Holiday for 2024 – 2025?

– England School Term Dates for 2024/25 –

– Scotland School Term Dates for 2024/25 –

– Wales School Term Dates For 2024/25 –

– Northern Ireland School Term Dates for 2024/25 –

Public School Holiday for 2024 – 2025

When are the UK School Holidays for 2025/26 – 2026/27?

– England School Term Dates for 2025/26 – 2026/27 –

– Scotland School Term Dates for 2025/26 – 2026/27 –

– Wales School Term Dates For 2025/26 – 2026/27 –

– Northern Ireland School Term Dates for 2025/26 – 2026/27 –

Public Holidays for 2026 – 2027

FAQs on All UK School Holidays

Conclusion

When are the UK School Holiday for 2024 – 2025?

School Holiday Term Dates for 2024 to 2025 Academic Year | Photo of Calendar on Tablet at Desk with Equipment neatly around it

England School Term Dates for 2024/25

Autumn Term 2024 

Term Starts: Monday, 2nd September 2024

Half-Term: Break Monday, 28th October – Friday, 1st November 2024  

Term Ends: Friday, 20th December 2024 

Christmas Break Monday, 23rd December 2024 – Friday, 3rd January 2025 

Spring Term 2025 

Term Starts: Monday, 6th January 2025 

Half-Term Break: Monday 17th February – Friday, 21st February 2025 

Term Ends: Friday, 4th April 2025 

Easter Break: Friday, 7th – Monday, 21st April 2025 

Summer Term 2025 

Term Starts: Tuesday, 22th April 2025 

[Early May Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May 2025] 

Half-Term: Break Monday, 26th May – Friday, 30th May 2025

Term Ends: Tuesday, 22 July 2025 

Summer Break: Wednesday, 23rd July – Sunday, 31th August 2025

Scotland School Term Dates for 2024/25

Autumn Term 2024:

Staff In-Service Days: Monday, 12th and Tuesday, 13th August 2024

Pupils Resume: Wednesday, 14th August 2024

Mid-Term Holidays:

October Break: Monday, 14th October – Friday, 18th October 2024

In-Service Day: Monday, 21th October 2024

St Andrew’s Day: Monday 2 December 2024 (schools closed)

Term Ends: Friday, 20th December 2024

Christmas Holidays:

Christmas Break: Monday, 23th December 2024 – Friday, 3rd January 2025

Winter/Spring Term 2025:

Term Starts: Monday, 6th January 2025

Mid-Term Holidays:

February Break: Monday, 17th – Friday, 21th February 2025

In-Service Day: Monday, 24th February 2025

Term Ends: Friday, 4th April 2025

Easter Holidays:

Break: Monday, 7th April – Friday, 18th April 2025

Summer Term 2025:

Term Starts: Monday 21 April 2025

Mid-Term Holidays:

May Day Holiday: Monday, 5th May 2025 (schools closed)

In-Service Day: Tuesday, 6th May 2025

Term Ends: Wednesday, 25th June 2025

Wales School Term Dates For 2024/25

Autumn Term 2024:

Term Starts: Monday, 2nd September 2024

Half-Term Break: Monday, 28th October – Friday, 1st November 2024

Term Ends: Friday, 20th December 2024

Christmas Holidays:

Break: Monday, 23rd December 2024 – Friday, 3rd January 2025

Spring Term 2025:

Term Starts: Monday, 6th January 2025

Half-Term Break: Monday, 24th February – Friday, 28th February 2025

Term Ends: Friday, 11th April 2025

Easter Holidays:

Break: Monday, 14th April – Friday, 25th April 2025

Summer Term 2025:

Term Starts: Monday, 28th April 2025

Half-Term Break: Monday, 26th May – Friday, 30th May 2025

Term Ends: Monday, 21th July 2025

Northern Ireland School Term Dates for 2024/25

Autumn Term 2024

Term Starts: Monday, 2nd September 2024
Halloween Break (Mid-Term):
Monday, 28th October 2024 to Friday, 1st November 2024
Christmas Holidays:
Schools close on Friday, 20th December 2024
Schools reopen on Monday, 6th January 2025

Spring Term 2025

Half-Term Break: Monday, 17th February 2025 to Friday, 21st February 2025
Easter Holidays:
Schools close on Friday, 11th April 2025
Schools reopen on Monday, 28th April 2025

Summer Term 2025

May Day Holiday: Monday, 5th May 2025
End of Term: Schools close on Tuesday, 1st July 2025

*Please note that these dates can vary by local authority and individual schools. For the most accurate information, it’s advisable to check with your local council or directly with your child’s school. These are just rough estimates on when schools are usually open.*

Public School Holiday for 2024 – 2025

England and Wales:

2024:
2025:

Scotland:

2024:
2025:

Northern Ireland:

2024:
2025:

*Please remember that schools also have inset or training days, which are set individually by each school. These dates are not included in the general term dates and can vary, so it’s advisable to check with your child’s school for any additional closures.*

Now that we’ve covered the school holiday dates for 2024/25, let’s take a look ahead to the UK school holidays in 2025/26 – 2026/27.
Planning your family time or vacations early?

Knowing the school term dates for 2025/26 – 2026/27 can help you organize everything from getaways to staycations. With accurate information on the upcoming school holiday dates, you’ll be able to prepare in advance and ensure you make the most of your time off.
Let’s explore the key dates for the year ahead and start planning!

When are the UK School Holidays for 2025/26 – 2026/27?

School Holiday Term Dates for 2025 to 2026 Academic Year and 2026 to 2027 Academic Year | Photo of Book Calendar with pen on top surrounded by items

England School Term Dates for 2025/26 – 2026/27

Autumn Term 2025:

Start of Term:

Staff Training Days: Monday, 1st September 2025

Pupils Return: Tuesday, 2nd September 2025

Half-Term Break:

Holiday: Monday, 27th October to Friday, 31th October 2025

Pupils Resume: Monday, 3rd November 2025

End of Term:

Last Day: Friday, 19th December 2025

Christmas Holidays:

Break: Monday, 22nd December 2025 to Friday, 2nd January 2026

Spring Term 2026:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 5th January 2026

Half-Term Break:

Holiday: Monday, 16th February to Friday, 20th February 2026

Pupils Resume: Monday, 23th February 2026

End of Term:

Last Day: Friday, 27th March 2026

Easter Holidays:

Break: Monday, 30th March to Friday, 10th April 2026

Summer Term 2026:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 13th April 2026

May Day Holiday:

Holiday: Monday, 4th May 2026

Pupils Resume: Tuesday, 5th May 2026

Half-Term Break:

Holiday: Monday, 25th May to Friday, 29th May 2026

Pupils Resume: Monday, 1st June 2026

End of Term:

Last Day: Monday, 20th July 2026

Autumn Term 2026:

Term Starts: Wednesday, 2nd September 2026

Half-Term Break: Monday, 26th October – Friday, 30th October 2026

Christmas Break: Monday, 21st December 2026 – Friday, 1st January 2027

Spring Term 2027:

Term Resumes: Monday, 4th January 2027

Half-Term Break: Monday, 15th February – Friday, 19th February 2027

Easter Break: Friday, 26th March – Friday, 9th April 2027

Summer Term 2027:

Term Resumes: Monday, 12th April 2027

May Day Bank Holiday: Monday, 3rd May 2027

Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 31st May 2027

Half-Term Break: Monday, 31st May – Friday, 4th June 2027

Summer Break Begins: Thursday, 22nd July 2027

Scotland School Term Dates for 2025/26 – 2026/27

Autumn Term 2025:

Start of Term:

Staff In-Service Days: Monday, 18th August and Tuesday, 19th August 2025

Pupils Return: Wednesday, 20th August 2025

Mid-Term Break:

October Holiday: Monday, 13th October to Friday, 17th October 2025

In-Service Day: Monday, 20th October 2025

Pupils Resume: Tuesday, 21st October 2025

St Andrew’s Day:

Holiday: Monday, 1st December 2025

Pupils Resume: Tuesday, 2nd December 2025

End of Term:

Last Day: Friday, 19th December 2025

Christmas Holidays:

Break: Monday, 22nd December 2025 to Friday, 2nd January 2026

Spring Term 2026:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 5th January 2026

Mid-Term Break:

February Holiday: Monday, 16th February to Friday, 20th February 2026

In-Service Day: Monday, 23rd February 2026

Pupils Resume: Tuesday, 24th February 2026

End of Term:

Last Day: Thursday, 2nd April 2026

Easter Holidays:

Break: Friday, 3rd April to Friday, 17th April 2026

Summer Term 2026:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 20th April 2026

[May Day Holiday:]

Holiday: Monday, 4th May 2026

In-Service Day: Tuesday, 5th May 2026

Pupils Resume: Wednesday, 6th May 2026

End of Term:

Last Day: Thursday, 2nd July 2026

Autumn Term 2026:

In-Service Days:

Thursday, 13th August 2026

Friday, 14th August 2026

Start of Term: Monday, 17th August 2026

[Mid-Term Break:]

Monday, 12th October 2026 to Friday, 16th October 2026

[St. Andrew’s Day:]

Monday, 30th November 2026

Christmas Holidays:

Schools close on Tuesday, 22nd December 2026

Schools reopen on Tuesday, 5th January 2027

Spring Term 2027:

Start of Term: Tuesday, 5th January 2027

Mid-Term Break:

Monday, 15th February 2027 to Friday, 19th February 2027

Easter Holidays:

Schools close on Friday, 2nd April 2027

Schools reopen on Monday, 19th April 2027

Summer Term 2027:

Start of Term: Monday, 19th April 2027

May Day Holiday: Monday, 3rd May 2027

Local Holidays: Monday, 31st May 2027

Summer Holidays: Schools close on Friday, 2nd July 2027

Wales School Term Dates For 2025/26 – 2026/27

Autumn Term 2025:

Start of Term:

Staff Training Day: Monday, 1st September 2025

Pupils Return: Tuesday, 2nd September 2025

[Half-Term Break:]

Holiday: Monday, 27th October to Friday, 31st October 2025

Pupils Resume: Monday, 3rd November 2025

End of Term:

Last Day: Friday, 19th December 2025

Christmas Holidays:

Break: Monday, 22nd December 2025 to Friday, 2nd January 2026

Spring Term 2026:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 5th January 2026

Half-Term Break:

Holiday: Monday, 16th February to Friday, 20th February 2026

Pupils Resume: Monday, 23rd February 2026

End of Term:

Last Day: Friday, 27th March 2026

Easter Holidays:

Break: Monday, 30th March to Friday, 10th April 2026

Summer Term 2026:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 13th April 2026

May Day Holiday:

Holiday: Monday, 4th May 2026

Pupils Resume: Tuesday, 5th May 2026

Half-Term Break:

Holiday: Monday, 25th May to Friday, 29th May 2026

Pupils Resume: Monday, 1st June 2026

End of Term:

Last Day: Monday, 20th July 2026

Autumn Term 2026:

Start of Term:

Staff Training Day: Tuesday, 1st September 2026

Pupils Return: Wednesday, 2nd September 2026

Half-Term Break:

Holiday: Monday, 26th October to Friday, 30th October 2026

Pupils Resume: Monday, 2nd November 2026

End of Term:

Last Day: Friday, 18th December 2026

Christmas Holidays:

Break: Monday, 21st December 2026 to Friday, 1st January 2027

Spring Term 2027:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 4th January 2027

Half-Term Break:

Holiday: Monday, 15th February to Friday, 19th February 2027

Pupils Resume: Monday, 22nd February 2027

End of Term:

Last Day: Friday, 26th March 2027

Easter Holidays:

Break: Monday, 29th March to Friday, 9th April 2027

Summer Term 2027:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 12th April 2027

May Day Holiday:

Holiday: Monday, 3rd May 2027

Pupils Resume: Tuesday, 4th May 2027

Half-Term Break:

Holiday: Monday, 31st May to Friday, 4th June 2027

Pupils Resume: Monday, 7th June 2027

End of Term:

Last Day: Tuesday, 20th July 2027

Northern Ireland School Term Dates for 2025/26 – 2026/27

Autumn Term 2025:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 1st September 2025

Halloween Break:

Holiday: Friday, 31st October 2025

Pupils Resume: Monday, 3rd November 2025

End of Term:

Last Day: Friday, 19th December 2025

Christmas Holidays:

Break: Monday, 22nd December 2025 to Friday, 2nd January 2026

Spring Term 2026:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 5th January 2026

Mid-Term Break:

Holiday: Thursday, 19th February to Friday, 20th February 2026

Pupils Resume: Monday, 23rd February 2026

St. Patrick’s Day:

Holiday: Tuesday, 17th March 2026

Pupils Resume: Wednesday, 18th March 2026

End of Term:

Last Day: Friday, 27th March 2026

Easter Holidays:

Break: Monday, 30th March to Friday, 10th April 2026

Summer Term 2026:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 13th April 2026

May Day Holiday:

Holiday: Monday, 4th May 2026

Pupils Resume: Tuesday, 5th May 2026

Spring Bank Holiday:

Holiday: Monday, 25th May 2026

Pupils Resume: Tuesday, 26th May 2026

End of Term:

Last Day: Tuesday, 30th June 2026

Autumn Term 2026:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 1st September 2026

Halloween Break:

Holiday: Friday, 30th October 2026

Pupils Resume: Monday, 2nd November 2026

End of Term:

Last Day: Friday, 18th December 2026

Christmas Holidays:

Break: Monday, 21st December 2026 to Friday, 1st January 2027

Spring Term 2027:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 4th January 2027

Mid-Term Break:

Holiday: Thursday, 18th February to Friday, 19th February 2027

Pupils Resume: Monday, 22nd February 2027

St. Patrick’s Day:

Holiday: Wednesday, 17th March 2027

Pupils Resume: Thursday, 18th March 2027

End of Term:

Last Day: Friday, 26th March 2027

Easter Holidays:

Break: Monday, 29th March to Friday, 9th April 2027

Summer Term 2027:

Start of Term:

Pupils Return: Monday, 12th April 2027

May Day Holiday:

Holiday: Monday, 3rd May 2027

Pupils Resume: Tuesday, 4th May 2027

Spring Bank Holiday:

Holiday: Monday, 31st May 2027

Pupils Resume: Tuesday, 1st June 2027

End of Term:

Last Day: Tuesday, 29th June 2027

*Please note that these dates can vary by local authority and individual schools. For the most accurate information, it’s advisable to check with your local council or directly with your child’s school. These are just rough estimates on when schools are usually open.*

Public Holidays for 2026 – 2027

England and Wales:

2026:
2027:

Scotland:

2026:
2027:

Northern Ireland:

2026:
2027:

*Please remember that schools also have inset or training days, which are set individually by each school. These dates are not included in the general term dates and can vary, so it’s advisable to check with your child’s school for any additional closures.*

FAQs on All UK School Holidays

FAQs for School Holiday Term Dates | Lady Thinking

When do schools break up for the summer in the UK?

In the UK, summer holidays typically begin in late July and end in early September. For example, in 2024, many schools broke up around July 25 and returned on September 2.

How long is the Christmas holiday for UK schools?

The Christmas holiday usually lasts about two weeks, starting around December 20 and ending in early January. In 2024, schools in some areas closed on December 20 and reopened on January 6, 2025.

What dates are the half-term breaks in the UK for 2024/25?

Half-term breaks vary by region, but they generally occur in late October, mid-February, and late May. For instance, in 2024, the autumn half-term was from October 28 to November 1, and the spring half-term was from February 17 to February 21, 2025.

When do UK schools start the new term in 2025?

The spring term in 2025 typically starts in early January. For example, in 2025, schools in some areas began the term on January 6.

Are there any bank holidays during school holidays in the UK?

Yes, there are several bank holidays during school holidays. For example, in 2025, Easter Monday (April 21) and Early May Bank Holiday (May 5) fall during the spring term.

How long is the Easter break for schools in the UK?

The Easter break usually lasts about two weeks, coinciding with the Easter holiday. In 2025, the Easter holidays were from April 7 to April 21.

Do all UK schools have the same holiday dates?

No, school holiday dates can vary by region and even by individual schools. It’s important to check with your local council or your child’s school for specific dates.

When is the next school holiday in the UK?

The next school holiday depends on your location and the current date. For example, if today is January 3, 2025, the next holiday might be the spring half-term in mid-February.

Are there any school holidays in the UK during October?

Yes, there is usually a half-term break in late October. In 2024, the autumn half-term was from October 28 to November 1.

Do schools in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different holiday dates?

Yes, each country has its own school holiday schedule. For example, in Scotland, the summer holidays typically start in late June and end in mid-August.

Can I take my child on holiday during term time in the UK?

Taking children on holiday during term time is generally discouraged and may result in fines. Schools are required to consider fines when a child misses ten or more sessions (five days) due to unauthorised absences, including term-time holidays without the school’s permission.

What should I do if I miss a school holiday in the UK?

If you miss a school holiday, it’s important to inform your child’s school and discuss any necessary arrangements for catching up on missed work.

Why do school holidays in the UK change every year?

School holidays change annually to accommodate various factors, including public holidays, seasonal considerations, and regional differences.

How do school holiday dates in the UK vary by region?

School holiday dates vary by region due to local education authority decisions, cultural differences, and regional events. For example, Scotland’s summer holidays typically start earlier than those in England.

When do UK schools close for Christmas in 2024?

In 2024, many UK schools closed for Christmas on December 20 and reopened in early January 2025.

What is half-term?

Half-term is a short break in the middle of a school term, typically lasting one week. It occurs once each term, resulting in three half-term breaks during the academic year: one in the autumn term, one in the spring term, and one in the summer term.

Are schools open on a bank holiday?

No, schools in the UK are generally closed on bank holidays. These public holidays are observed nationwide, and schools schedule their terms to accommodate these dates.

How many weeks of holiday do schools have?

UK schools typically have around 13 weeks of holiday per year. This includes approximately six weeks for the summer break, two weeks for Christmas, two weeks for Easter, and three one-week half-term breaks.

Are school holiday changing?

Yes, school holidays are changing in some places:

Wales
The summer holidays in Wales will be reduced to five weeks from 2025, with an extra week added to the autumn half term. The Welsh Government is also considering decoupling the Easter end of term break from the Easter festival. 

England
A proposal was announced to allow all schools in England to set their own term dates. 

Nuffield Foundation
A report from the Nuffield Foundation suggests that summer holidays should be reduced to four weeks, with half-terms extended to two weeks. The report suggests that these changes could improve the wellbeing of pupils and teaching staff, and potentially boost academic results.

When do school holiday start?

In the UK, the Christmas and New Year holiday for 2024–2025 will be from Monday, December 23, 2024 to Friday, January 3, 2025. The next holiday after that is the February half-term, which will be from Monday, February 17 to Friday, February 21, 2025. 

Here are some other holidays and term dates for 2024–2025: 

The school year in the UK is made up of three terms, each roughly the same length. The terms are: 

Why should school holiday be longer?

School holidays should be longer because they provide students and teachers with time to recharge and prepare for the next school year: 

Why should school holiday be shorter?

Some say that school holidays should be shorter for a number of reasons, including: 

Conclusion

In conclusion, everything you need to know about UK school holidays! Whether you’re going on trips, arranging childcare, or just counting down to your next break, staying ahead of school term dates makes life so much easier. With clear information on school holiday dates, you can plan family fun, relax, or even sneak in some much-needed downtime.

Remember, school holidays vary slightly across regions, so double-check with your local council or school for the exact dates. Staying organized not only saves time but also helps you make the most of these precious breaks.
So go ahead—mark those dates, and let the countdown to your next school holiday begin!

School Holiday Term Dates - Conclusion | Photo of Family on Vacation

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