Complete Guide to UK School Holidays 2026

Published: January 2026 | Reading time: 6 minutes

For parents across the United Kingdom, knowing school holiday dates is essential for planning family activities, arranging childcare, and booking cost-effective holidays. The challenge lies in the fact that school term dates vary not only between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland but also between local authorities within each nation. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about school holidays in 2026, helping you plan ahead with confidence.

Understanding How School Term Dates Are Set

Before examining specific dates, it helps to understand how school term dates are determined across the UK. In England, maintained schools must be open for 190 days during the school year, but local authorities and individual schools have flexibility in setting exact term dates. Academies and free schools have even more freedom and may set their own calendars.

In Scotland, local authorities set term dates, and these can vary significantly across the country. Scottish schools typically have a longer summer holiday starting in late June, considerably earlier than their English counterparts. Wales follows a similar pattern to England, with local authorities setting dates within a national framework. Northern Ireland has its own distinct calendar, often aligning with the Republic of Ireland for some holiday periods.

Always confirm specific dates with your local authority or your children's school, as variations do occur. Our interactive 2026 calendar provides a helpful visual reference for planning around these periods.

Christmas and New Year Holidays 2025-2026

The school year 2025-2026 begins with children returning after the Christmas break. Most schools across the UK return during the week of 5th-6th January 2026. The Christmas holiday typically spans approximately two weeks, with schools breaking up around 19th December 2025 and returning in the first full week of January.

This period offers opportunities for winter family activities, whether that involves festive traditions at home, visiting relatives, or taking advantage of New Year sales for school supplies and clothing. Some families use this time for ski holidays, taking advantage of the winter sports season in the Alps or Scotland's own ski resorts.

February Half-Term 2026

The February half-term typically falls during the week containing Valentine's Day, though exact dates vary by region. In England and Wales, expect half-term around 16th-20th February 2026 for many areas, though some local authorities schedule it a week earlier or later.

Scotland does not traditionally observe a February half-term in the same way as England, instead having a mid-term break at different times. Scottish schools often have occasional holidays and in-service days scattered throughout the term.

February half-term is increasingly popular for family breaks, particularly to destinations offering winter sun or half-term activity programmes. Many UK attractions, from theme parks to museums, run special half-term events during this week.

Easter Holidays 2026

Easter 2026 falls relatively early, with Easter Sunday on 5th April. School Easter holidays typically span approximately two weeks, though timing varies between regions. Many English and Welsh schools break up around 27th March and return around 13th April 2026.

Scottish schools often have a shorter Easter break, sometimes just one week, with additional days given at other points in the year. The timing can also differ based on when Easter falls in a given year, with some flexibility built into school calendars.

The Easter holidays present excellent opportunities for spring family activities. The weather in April can be pleasant for outdoor adventures, and many families use this period for domestic breaks to Cornwall, the Lake District, or the Scottish Highlands. International travel to Mediterranean destinations becomes increasingly attractive as temperatures rise.

May Half-Term 2026

The May half-term coincides with the Spring Bank Holiday, typically falling during the week of 25th May 2026. This creates a natural extended break, as the bank holiday Monday (25th May) falls at the start of the half-term week.

This period marks the transition into summer and is particularly popular for UK staycations. The weather is often pleasant, school examination periods have largely concluded for younger pupils, and attractions are fully operational ahead of the peak summer season. Many families find this an ideal time for camping, caravanning, or cottage holidays around the British Isles.

Summer Holidays 2026

The summer holidays represent the longest school break of the year, typically spanning six weeks in England and Wales. Exact dates vary by local authority, but most English schools break up between 17th-24th July 2026 and return in early September, around 2nd-3rd September.

Scottish schools typically finish earlier, often breaking up in late June around 26th June 2026, and returning in mid-August around 17th-18th August. This earlier timing can offer advantages for families seeking to travel during less peak periods.

Northern Ireland schools usually break up in late June and return in early September, following a pattern similar to Scotland but with slight variations.

Planning summer holidays requires advance booking, particularly for popular destinations and accommodation. Many families find that booking by January or February offers the best availability and prices for summer travel. Use our 2026 calendar tool to map out potential holiday dates and start planning early.

October Half-Term 2026

The October half-term, sometimes called the autumn half-term, typically falls in late October around 26th-30th October 2026 for many areas. This period often coincides with Halloween, making it popular for themed family activities and events.

Scottish schools typically have their October break a week or two earlier than English schools, often around the first or second week of October. This can create opportunities for families with children in Scottish schools to travel during quieter, cheaper periods.

October half-term is increasingly popular for autumn breaks, with families enjoying the changing colours of the countryside, Halloween events at attractions, and city breaks to European destinations before winter sets in.

Planning Tips for Parents

Successfully navigating school holidays requires strategic planning. First, confirm your specific school's term dates as early as possible, as these are usually published well in advance. Second, consider booking annual leave early, particularly around popular holiday periods when workplace restrictions may apply.

For travel, booking outside the official school holiday weeks (where possible and legal) can result in significant savings. Some families with flexible work arrangements or children not yet of compulsory school age can take advantage of shoulder periods immediately before or after school holidays.

Finally, consider alternatives to expensive travel during peak periods. The UK offers numerous staycation opportunities, from coastal breaks to countryside retreats, that can be both enjoyable and cost-effective. Day trips to local attractions, outdoor adventures, and home-based activities can fill holiday weeks without breaking the budget.

School holidays shape family life throughout the year, from arranging childcare to planning memorable trips together. By understanding when these breaks fall and planning accordingly, parents can reduce stress and maximise quality time with their children. Bookmark our calendar page for easy reference throughout 2026, and check back regularly for updates and planning tips.