UK School Holidays 2026-2027: England, London and Term Dates

The United Kingdom does not have a single national school calendar. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each follow their own system. In England and Scotland in particular, dates depend largely on local authorities, while Wales and Northern Ireland also publish official reference calendars.

Whether you live in the UK, are preparing to move there or are planning a family trip to London, knowing the school holiday dates can help you anticipate busier periods, plan your journeys and organise the school year more easily.

In practice, dates may vary depending on the nation, local council, city and school. Before booking a trip, it is therefore recommended to check the official calendar of the school concerned.

School holidays in England 2026-2027

In England, the 2026-2027 school holiday dates are not set by a single national calendar. For state schools under local authority control, each local council publishes its own calendar. The dates below should therefore be considered reference dates commonly found in English school calendars for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Why can school holiday dates vary between schools in England?

Local authorities set the dates for community schools and certain other state schools under their control. However, academies, free schools, some faith or foundation schools and independent schools may set their own calendars. Two schools in the same city may therefore have slightly different holiday dates.

You should also take INSET days (In-Service Education and Training days) into account. These are days mainly dedicated to staff training and professional development, during which pupils do not attend school. They may explain why pupils return one or more days after the official start of a term.

How does the school calendar work in England?

The English school calendar is divided into three terms: the Autumn Term, Spring Term and Summer Term. Each term is generally divided into two teaching periods separated by a one-week holiday known as half-term.

How many days do pupils attend school in England?

In English maintained schools, schools must be open for at least 380 sessions, which generally corresponds to 190 days of attendance for pupils during the school year.

Additional days may be set aside for staff training or professional development, during which pupils do not attend school.

How many hours are there in a school week?

There is no single national timetable that applies to every school. Each school determines how its school day and school week are organised.

For mainstream state-funded schools, the English government nevertheless sets a non-statutory expectation of at least 32.5 hours per week. This covers the time between morning registration and the official end of the school day, including breaks. Exact school hours are still determined by each individual school.

Do independent schools follow the same calendar?

Not always. Independent schools have greater freedom to set their own holiday dates and may organise their terms slightly differently from state schools.

Boarding schools may also schedule periods known as Exeats. These are short breaks, often built around a weekend, during which boarding pupils may leave the school.

School holidays in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland 2026-2027

School holidays are not the same throughout the UK. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own system, and their dates may differ significantly from those in England.

School holidays in Scotland

In Scotland, dates vary between local authorities. The school year may begin earlier than in England and the summer holiday generally starts earlier.

School holidays in Wales

In Wales, school dates are largely coordinated between local authorities, although some variations remain. For 2026-2027, the school year begins on Tuesday 1 September 2026 and the autumn half-term runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026. Approved dates may nevertheless differ slightly between local authorities, particularly for some spring periods and the end of the school year.

School holidays in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the Department of Education publishes a reference calendar for the academic year.

School holidays in London

School holidays in London follow the same general principle as the rest of England: there is no single calendar for the entire capital. Dates are set by the London Borough Councils for state schools under their authority.

School holiday dates in London are generally very similar to those seen elsewhere in England, but they may vary slightly between boroughs. The main differences usually concern the start of the school year, the end of the academic year and certain INSET days.

How can you find the school holiday dates for your London borough?

To find the exact dates, the easiest option is to search using your school's postcode. The GOV.UK service identifies the relevant local council and directs you to its official school calendar.

Travelling to London during the school holidays

School holidays are a particularly popular time for families to visit London. Museums, attractions and West End theatres regularly offer activities, workshops and shows suitable for children.

However, some school holiday periods also coincide with higher demand for attractions, hotels and shows. It is therefore advisable to organise your trip in advance.

When is London busiest during the school holidays?

Family visitor numbers generally increase during the main UK school holiday periods, particularly half-terms, the Christmas holiday, Easter and the summer holiday.

There is no single week when every schoolchild in the UK is on holiday. Differences between nations, councils and schools can spread busy periods across several weeks.

What can you do in London with children during the school holidays?

To plan your stay, discover our guide to visiting London with children as well as the best musicals to see in London with children.

FAQ: school holidays in the UK

Are school holidays the same in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

No. Each of the four nations has its own system. Scotland uses local calendars, Wales largely coordinates dates between local authorities, and Northern Ireland publishes a separate reference calendar.

Are school holidays the same throughout England?

No. Schools under a local council generally follow that council's calendar, while academies, independent schools and some other schools may set their own dates.

How can I find the school holiday dates for my London borough?

Use the official GOV.UK school term and holiday dates service and enter the school's postcode. For an academy, free school or independent school, also check the school's own calendar.

How long are the summer holidays in England?

The summer holidays generally last around six weeks. They usually begin in the second half of July and end in early September, depending on the local council and the school.

How many days do pupils attend school in England?

In maintained schools, schools must be open for at least 380 sessions per academic year, which generally corresponds to 190 days of pupil attendance. Additional days may be used for staff training without pupils being present.

What time does school start and finish in England?

There are no national school hours that apply to every school. Many schools start at around 8:30-9:00 am and finish in the middle of the afternoon, but exact hours vary from one school to another.

How many hours are there in a school week in England?

For mainstream state-funded schools, the English government sets a non-statutory expectation of at least 32.5 hours per week. Exact timetables are still determined by individual schools.

Why do schools not all have the same start date?

Calendars vary between local councils and individual schools. INSET days, which are mainly used for staff training, may also delay the start of term or the return to school after a holiday.

What is an Exeat at a British school?

An Exeat is a short break scheduled by some boarding schools during which pupils may leave the school. Dates are specific to each school and do not necessarily coincide with half-terms.

When is London busiest during the school holidays?

Visitor numbers generally increase during half-terms, the Christmas holiday, Easter and the summer holidays. As calendars vary between regions and schools, busy periods may extend over several weeks.

When should you book a trip to London during the school holidays?

As soon as your dates are confirmed, particularly for Christmas, Easter, half-terms and the summer holidays. The most popular hotels, attractions and family shows can sell out during these periods.

Where can I check official school holiday dates?

In England, use GOV.UK and your local council's calendar. In Scotland, use mygov.scot; in Wales, the Welsh Government website; and in Northern Ireland, the Department of Education. For an independent school or academy, check the school's official calendar directly.

In summary

The UK school holiday calendar varies depending on the nation, local council and sometimes the individual school. England and Scotland rely largely on local calendars, while Wales and Northern Ireland use more coordinated or reference calendars.

Whether your child attends a state school, an academy, an independent school or a boarding school, always check the school's official calendar before organising a trip or holiday.

Planning a trip to London during the school holidays? Read our guide to visiting London with children and discover the best musicals to see in London with children. You can also compare prices for attractions, shows and sightseeing passes on AllTrippers before booking.