In the UK, different countries and regional local authorities have different policies regarding school holidays. If you are a parent in the UK, find out the precise dates so you can make arrangements by contacting your local authorities or your child’s school. Since most schools have extra half-term breaks in between each of the three terms that make up the school year, kids often enjoy six breaks annually.
Why Choose UK?
- Best Possible Education
Because UK is not just home to the English language, it is also home to some of the world’s greatest universities and our institutions consistently top global rankings.
- Perfect Start to a World-Class Career
The graduates are among the most employable in the world, and it’s not unusual for students to receive job offers before they’ve even finished their studies.
- Chance to Grow in a Safe and Supportive Country
International students will feel really welcome in the UK and ready to get the very best from their time here. UK is a modern and progressive, multi-faith society where many languages are spoken and where people from all backgrounds are welcome.
- Beginning of New Adventures and Lifelong Friendships
International students make new and lasting friendships in the UK – and they’ll get the chance to experience everything that our beautiful country has to offer. It’s why the UK is the perfect place for them to become the most confident and promising version of themselves.
2025-2026 Term Dates
| Term | Starting | Ending |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn one | 3-Sep-25 | 24-Oct-25 |
| Autumn two | 3-Nov-25 | 19-Dec-25 |
| Spring one | 5-Jan-26 | 13-Feb-26 |
| Spring two | 23-Feb-26 | 27-Mar-26 |
| Summer one | 13-Apr-26 | 22-May-26 |
| Summer two | 1-Jun-26 | 22-Jul-26 |
2025-2026 Holidays
| Holiday | Starting | Ending |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn half-term | 27-Oct-25 | 31-Oct-25 |
| Christmas holidays | 22-Dec-25 | 2-Jan-26 |
| Spring half-term | 16-Feb-26 | 20-Feb-26 |
| Easter holidays | 30-Mar-26 | 10-Apr-26 |
| Summer half-term | 25-May-26 | 29-May-26 |
| Summer holidays | 23-Jul-26 | 31-Aug-26 |
School Holidays in England
| Holiday | Starting | Ending |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn half-term | 27-Oct-25 | 31-Oct-25 |
| Christmas holidays | 22-Dec-25 | 2-Jan-26 |
| Spring half-term | 16-Feb-26 | 20-Feb-26 |
| Easter holidays | 30-Mar-26 | 10-Apr-26 |
| Summer half-term | 25-May-26 | 29-May-26 |
| Summer holidays | 23-Jul-26 | 31-Aug-26 |
Holiday Periods in Wales
| Occasion | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| First day of school | 1-Sep-25 |
| Half term | 27–31 October 2025 |
| Christmas break | 19 December 2025 – 5 January 2026 |
| Half term | 16–20 February 2026 |
| Easter break | 27 March – 13 April 2026 |
| Half term | 25–29 May 2026 |
| Summer holiday starts | 20-Jul-26 |
School Holiday in Scotland
| Occasion | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| First day of school | 13-Aug-25 |
| Mid-term holidays | 13–20 October 2025 |
| Christmas break | 22 December 2025 – 5 January 2026 |
| Mid-term holidays | 16–20 February 2026 |
| Easter break | 3–20 April 2026 |
| Mid-term holidays | 4–5 May 2026 |
| Summer holiday starts | 26-Jun-25 |
Holiday Periods in Northern Ireland
The term and holiday dates for Northern Ireland’s 2025–2026 school year are yet to be confirmed.
School Holidays in UK
The English school year runs from early September to mid- or late July. Most schools divide the year into three terms, each term divided into half terms:
- Autumn term runs from early September to mid December (half term ends in late October).
- Spring Term runs from early January to Easter (half term ends in mid-February).
- Summer Term runs from Easter to mid-July (half term ends in late May/early June).
At the end of each half-term a holiday lasts about one week (usually nine full days, including two weekends), although in the autumn term, some schools give students two week long holidays (16 full days, including 3 weekends) to account for the term being longer than the other two. The Christmas holidays separate the autumn and spring terms, and the Easter holidays separate the spring and summer terms. Each holiday lasts about two weeks. The summer holiday begins in late July and usually lasts about six weeks, sometimes ending two weeks before the Autumnal equinox. Independent schools (also known as “public schools” (age about 13+) and “private schools” or “preparatory schools” (under 13 in the UK) generally operate a similar academic year, often with shorter terms and longer holidays. More traditional schools use the term names originating at Oxford University; namely Michaelmas term (October to December), named after the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels on 29 September, Hilary term (January to March) and Trinity term (April to June), named after Trinity Sunday which is eight weeks after Easter. Some international schools use semesters rather than terms.
Have a Good Time in School Holidays in UK
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Conclusion
School holidays in UK are analyzed detailedly in this blog serving as a comprehensive guide, helping you have a better command of school holidays in UK. If you want choose UK as your tourist spot or educational destination, you ought to read this blog carefully.
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FAQ
The academic year in Hampshire is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer, with breaks in between. While some schools, including academies and private institutions, may set their schedules, most schools follow the Hampshire County Council’s calendar.
About six weeks. The Christmas holidays separate the autumn and spring terms, and the Easter holidays separate the spring and summer terms. Each holiday lasts about two weeks. The summer holiday begins in late July and usually lasts about six weeks, sometimes ending two weeks before the Autumnal equinox.
8 bank holidays. In 2025, the early May bank holiday falls on the 5th May. How many bank holidays will there be in 2025? In 2025, there will be 8 bank holidays in England and Wales while Scotland will have 9 2025 bank holidays and Northern Ireland 10! How to maximise annual leave in 2025 in the UK?
Private schools often spread their teaching days over six days a week instead of the five-day week commonly observed in state schools. This arrangement allows private schools to complete the required curriculum in a shorter period, resulting in longer holidays.
July. In the UK the first school term begins in September and the academic year concludes in mid-July.
EOTAS. Education Otherwise Than At School – or EOTAS – or alternative provision – is where the local authority [LA] is responsible for the provision of education when a child age 5 – 16 does not attend school. It comes under section 19 of the Education Act 1996.
Why do English state school summer holidays start in late July, thereby ensuring that children miss the longest days and the best chance of good weather? The original purpose of long school holidays was to release children to help with the harvest.
