UK School Holiday Dates 2026

In England, you usually can't take your child out of school during term time for holidays unless there are exceptional circumstances. It's always best to chat with the headteacher for any special requests as they're the ones who can give the green light!

The exact return date can vary by region and specific schools throughout the UK, but schools generally reopen in late August or early September. In England and Wales, schools typically start the new academic year in early September. In Scotland, schools often resume a bit earlier, while in Northern Ireland, they usually start back at the end of August or the beginning of September.

There are usually a few teacher training days, sprinkled throughout the year, known as INSET days, and their dates can vary by school. Typically, there are around five INSET days in each academic year in the UK. These are great days for teachers to learn new skills and plan, which means no school for the kids. Each school picks its own dates, so it's a good idea to check the school calendar or check with your child's school to know exactly when these days are scheduled.

Term dates in the UK can vary significantly across different regions, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Here's a general overview of how they differ:

• England: Schools typically have three terms: autumn, spring, and summer. Each term is divided by half term breaks lasting about a week. The school year starts in early September and ends in late July.
• Scotland: Scottish schools usually start their academic year earlier than the rest of the UK, often in August, and end in late June. They also have three terms but with slightly different timings and holiday patterns depending on the council area.
• Wales: Welsh schools follow a similar structure to England with three main terms and half term breaks. The Welsh Government publishes approved term date patterns.
• Northern Ireland: In Northern Ireland, the academic year usually starts at the end of August or the beginning of September and ends in late June. The structure is similar to that of England and Wales, with three terms and half term style breaks, but the holiday periods may differ.

To find out the specific term and holiday dates for your child's school, you can follow a few simple steps:

• Check the School's Website: Most schools publish their school calendar, including term dates and holidays, on their official website. This is often the quickest and easiest way to get the information you need.
• Check the UK Government Website: Find your child's school term and holiday dates via this UK Gov web page.
• Contact the School Office: If you can't find the information online or would prefer to speak to someone, you can always call or email the school office. They'll provide you with all the necessary dates and any other details you might need.
• School Newsletters: Schools often send out newsletters to parents that include term dates and reminders about upcoming holidays and teacher training days.

There are 8 bank holidays in England throughout 2026. These are New Year's Day: January 1st, Good Friday: April 3rd, Easter Monday: April 6th, Early May Bank Holiday: May 4th, Spring Bank Holiday: May 25th, Summer Bank Holiday: August 31st, Christmas Day: December 25th and Boxing Day substitute day: December 28th.
Wales also has 8 bank holidays, while Scotland has 9 and Northern Ireland has 10. Check out our useful guide to maximising your annual leave to get the most days off. By combining weekends and bank holidays, you can plan even longer breaks from just a few days booked off.