Looking for UK school holidays 2026? Get confirmed term dates, regional variations, FAQs and practical advice for parents and carers.
Introduction
Knowing the UK school holidays 2026 well in advance makes everyday life easier. For parents, guardians and teachers, school breaks affect everything from childcare and work schedules to family holidays and budgets.
One of the most confusing parts is that school holiday dates are not identical across the UK. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each use different systems, and even within England and Wales, local councils can set slightly different term dates.
This in-depth guide focuses strictly on the calendar year 2026 (January–December). It brings together confirmed, published information from UK government guidance, education departments and local authorities to help you understand:
- When schools are closed in 2026
- Why dates vary by nation and council
- How bank holidays affect school terms
- How families can plan confidently around school breaks
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How UK School Holiday Dates Are Set
Before looking at the dates themselves, it helps to understand who decides school holidays in the UK.
England
In England, responsibility sits with local authorities, guided by national frameworks from the Department for Education. Councils publish term dates for community and voluntary-controlled schools, while academies and free schools may set their own (often similar) calendars.
Wales
Wales also uses local authority term dates, but councils follow national guidance published by the Welsh Government. This ensures broad consistency while allowing minor regional variation.
Scotland
Scotland operates a different system. Each local council sets its own calendar, which often includes:
- Earlier summer holidays
- Multiple short mid-term breaks
This means Scottish dates can differ significantly from those in England and Wales.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, school holiday dates are set centrally by the Department of Education Northern Ireland, creating a more uniform calendar across the country.
For official guidance and local checks, parents are advised to consult GOV.UK and their council’s education pages.
UK School Holidays 2026 at a Glance
Although exact dates vary, most UK schools in 2026 follow this broad pattern:
- Spring term: January to Easter
- Summer term: After Easter to July
- Autumn term: September to December
- Major breaks: Christmas, Easter, and summer
- Half-term breaks: One week in spring, one in early summer, and one in autumn (varies by nation)
England: School Holidays in 2026
Typical Pattern for England
Most English councils align closely, though exact start and end dates can differ by a few days.
England School Holidays 2026 (Typical Dates)
| Holiday period | Approximate dates (2026) |
| Spring half-term | Mid-February |
| Easter holidays | Late March – early April |
| Summer half-term | Late May |
| Summer holidays | Late July – late August |
| Autumn half-term | Late October |
| Christmas holidays | Late December |
Key Notes for England
- Summer holidays usually last six weeks.
- Easter holidays typically last two weeks.
- Schools may add INSET days (teacher training days), when pupils do not attend.
Parents should always confirm dates with their local council or school website, especially if their child attends an academy.
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Wales: School Holidays in 2026
How Wales Compares to England
Wales broadly mirrors England’s structure but often differs by:
- One or two days at Easter or summer
- Slightly different Christmas end dates
Wales School Holidays 2026 (Typical Dates)
| Holiday period | Approximate dates (2026) |
| Spring half-term | Mid-February |
| Easter holidays | Late March – early April |
| Summer half-term | Late May |
| Summer holidays | Late July – end of August |
| Autumn half-term | Late October |
| Christmas holidays | Late December |
Welsh term dates are approved nationally and then implemented locally, giving families more consistency across the country than in England.
Scotland: School Holidays in 2026
Scotland’s school calendar is noticeably different from the rest of the UK.
Key Differences in Scotland
- Summer holidays often begin in late June
- Autumn and spring terms may include several short local breaks
- Christmas and Easter breaks can vary significantly by council
Scotland School Holidays 2026 (Typical Structure)
| Holiday period | General timing |
| Spring/Easter break | Late March or early April |
| Summer holidays | Late June – mid-August |
| Autumn breaks | September & October (short breaks) |
| Christmas holidays | Late December – early January |
Because of these differences, families moving between Scotland and England often find childcare and holiday planning more complex.
Northern Ireland: School Holidays in 2026
Northern Ireland uses a centrally set calendar, making dates more predictable.
Northern Ireland School Holidays 2026
| Holiday period | Approximate dates |
| Mid-term break | February (short break) |
| St Patrick’s Day | 17 March |
| Easter holidays | Early April |
| Summer holidays | From early July |
| Christmas holidays | Late December |
Northern Ireland pupils usually start their summer holidays earlier than the rest of the UK, which can be helpful for families planning travel outside peak periods in Great Britain.
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Bank Holidays Affecting UK School Holidays 2026
Bank holidays can extend school breaks or reduce the number of teaching days.
UK-Wide Bank Holidays in 2026
| Date | Bank holiday |
| 1 January | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 31 August | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Christmas Day |
Nation-Specific Notes
- Scotland recognises 2 January as a public holiday.
- Northern Ireland observes St Patrick’s Day (17 March).
Schools are almost always closed on these dates.
Comparison Table: School Holidays Across the UK (2026)
| Nation | Summer holiday start | Summer holiday length | Notable differences |
| England | Late July | ~6 weeks | Council-set dates |
| Wales | Late July | ~6 weeks | More national consistency |
| Scotland | Late June | 6–7 weeks | Earlier summer, more short breaks |
| Northern Ireland | Early July | ~8 weeks | Earlier summer start |
How Variations Affect Families
Childcare Planning
Different start and end dates can create gaps when siblings attend schools in different regions or nations. This is especially common for families living near borders.
Travel Costs
Peak travel prices often align with English and Welsh summer holidays. Scottish and Northern Irish families sometimes benefit from cheaper travel by holidaying earlier.
Work and Leave Requests
Understanding UK school holidays 2026 early helps parents book annual leave before popular weeks fill up.
Practical Planning Tips for Parents and Guardians
- Check Local Authority Calendars
- Always verify your child’s exact dates via your council or school. National guides are helpful, but local variation matters.
- Watch for INSET Days
- INSET days are not counted as holidays but still require childcare.
- Book Early for Peak Periods
- Easter and summer school holidays are the most expensive times to travel.
- Use Bank Holidays Strategically
- Long weekends can be ideal for short family breaks without taking children out of school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do UK schools break up for summer in 2026?
Most schools in England and Wales finish in late July 2026. Scottish schools typically finish in late June, while Northern Ireland schools usually close from early July.
Are UK school holidays the same everywhere?
No. Dates vary by nation and, in England and Wales, by local authority.
Do academies follow local council dates?
Many do, but academies can set their own calendars. Always check directly with the school.
Are bank holidays included in school holidays?
Yes. Schools are closed on bank holidays, and these often fall within longer holiday periods.
Where can I find official school holiday dates?
Use council websites and GOV.UK for official links to local term dates.
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Plan Ahead for UK School Holidays 2026
Understanding UK school holidays 2026 helps families stay organised, reduce stress and make the most of valuable time off together. While dates vary across the UK, knowing the general structure and checking local details early makes planning far easier.
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With the right preparation, school holidays in 2026 can be less about disruption and more about quality family time.
Last Updated: January 2026
