What are the UK school holiday dates for 2025-2026?
The UK school calendar 2025-2026 runs from early September 2025 to mid-July 2026, with a six-week summer holiday and several breaks spread throughout the year.
In the United Kingdom, the school year starts in September and finishes in the third week of July, giving pupils around six weeks of summer holidays. The UK school calendar 2025-2026 is divided into three terms, each split into two half-terms of six to seven weeks, separated by a one-week break. This regular rhythm allows students and teachers to alternate between learning and rest throughout the year.
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- Start of the school year: classes resume in early September, marking the official beginning of the academic year.
- October half-term: a one-week break in October after the first weeks of lessons.
- Christmas holidays: two weeks off to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
- February half-term: a winter break in February, perfect for recharging mid-year.
- Easter holidays: two weeks off, usually coinciding with Easter celebrations.
- May half-term: a one-week break at the end of May before the final stretch.
- Summer holidays: about six weeks off from mid-July, ideal for family activities and travel.
School days in the UK are often shorter (typically from 8:00 to 15:30) than in many other countries, which partly explains the lower total number of holiday days.
Below you'll find the UK school holiday dates for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 in public schools. These dates are helpful for planning family trips, organising childcare, or preparing your children's school year.
UK public schools: school holiday calendar
School holiday dates can vary depending on the region of the UK - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - as each sets its own calendar. To check the exact term dates for your child, visit your local council website.
You can also check the UK public holidays in 2025 and 2026 in our dedicated article.
School year 2025-2026
In UK public schools, the 2025 school year is expected to start on Tuesday 2 September 2025. Some schools may schedule INSET days at the beginning of the week, meaning pupils could return on Wednesday 3 September.
| 2025-2026 | UK public schools |
|---|---|
| Start of school year | Tuesday 2 September 2025 |
| October half-term | Monday 27 October 2025 to Friday 31 October 2025 |
| Christmas holidays | Monday 22 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026 |
| February half-term | Monday 16 February 2026 to Friday 20 February 2026 |
| Easter holidays | Monday 30 March 2026 to Friday 10 April 2026 |
| May half-term | Monday 25 May 2026 to Friday 29 May 2026 |
| Start of summer holidays | Thursday 23 July 2026 |
School year 2024-2025
In UK public schools, the 2024 school year will begin on Monday 2 September 2024.
| 2024-2025 | UK public schools |
|---|---|
| Start of school year | Monday 2 September 2024 |
| October half-term | Monday 28 October 2024 to Friday 1 November 2024 |
| Christmas holidays | Monday 23 December 2024 to Friday 3 January 2025 |
| February half-term | Monday 17 February 2025 to Friday 21 February 2025 |
| Easter holidays | Monday 7 April 2025 to Monday 21 April 2025 |
| May half-term | Monday 26 May 2025 to Friday 30 May 2025 |
| Start of summer holidays | Wednesday 23 July 2025 |
The UK school calendar 2025-2026 is marked by regular breaks and a shorter summer holiday than in many other countries. Knowing these dates in advance will help you plan family trips, arrange childcare, and make the most of your children's school year. You can also check our guide to the best things to do in London with kids to enjoy your stay even more.