UK Half Term Dates 2026-2027
๐ฌ๐ง October, February & May half term breaks
Half term is the one-week school break in the middle of each school term in the UK. This page lists the typical half term dates for the 2026-2027 academic year - the October half term 2026, February half term 2027, and May half term 2027. These are the most common dates across England; exact dates are set by each local council and can vary by a few days, so always confirm with your council via gov.uk.
Half Term 2026-2027 at a glance
- October half term 2026: ~26-30 October 2026
- February half term 2027: ~15-19 February 2027
- May half term 2027: ~31 May - 4 June 2027
Half Term Dates 2026-2027
| Half Term | Typical Dates | Region |
|---|---|---|
| October Half Term 2026 | Monday 26 October โ Friday 30 October 2026 | England (typical) |
| February Half Term 2027 | Monday 15 February โ Friday 19 February 2027 | England (typical) |
| May Half Term 2027 | Monday 31 May โ Friday 4 June 2027 | England (typical) |
โ ๏ธ Dates shown are the most common across England. Councils (and academies, faith schools, and schools in Scotland/Northern Ireland) set their own dates, which can differ. Always confirm with your school or local council.
What is half term?
In the UK, the school year is divided into three terms - Autumn, Spring, and Summer - each split by a one-week half term break. So there are typically three half terms per academic year: October half term (during the Autumn term), February half term (during the Spring term), and May half term (during the Summer term). Half term is separate from the longer Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays. Scotland uses a different structure (an October break, a February mid-term break, and a summer holiday that starts earlier and ends earlier than in England).
Planning around half term
Half term weeks are among the busiest for UK domestic travel, attractions, and accommodation, so prices surge and availability is tight. If you can travel in the week before or after your local half term - or in the shoulder weeks between different councils' half terms - you can often save significantly. Many families coordinate with grandparents or other relatives for childcare during half term, and book clubs, sports camps, and holiday schemes weeks in advance.
UK Half Term 2026-2027 - FAQ
What is half term in the UK?
Half term is a one-week school break in the middle of each school term. English and Welsh schools have three half-term breaks per academic year: in October, February, and May. Scottish schools use a different term structure with breaks in October, February, and a longer summer.
When is the October half term 2026?
The October half term 2026 (for the 2026-2027 academic year) typically falls in the last week of October - around Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026 in England. Exact dates are set by each local council and can vary by a few days. Confirm with your council.
When is the February half term 2027?
The February half term 2027 typically falls in mid-February - around Monday 15 to Friday 19 February 2027 in England. Scottish schools have their February break around the same time but with regional variation. Confirm with your local council.
When is the May half term 2027?
The May half term 2027 typically falls in the last week of May - around Monday 31 May to Friday 4 June 2027 in England. Some councils align it with the late May bank holiday. Confirm with your local council.
Do half term dates vary by council?
Yes. In the UK, school term and holiday dates are set by each local council (and by individual schools for academies and faith schools), so half term dates can vary between neighbouring areas. Always check your local council website via gov.uk for the exact dates in your area.
Are half term dates the same in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
No. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different school calendars from England and Wales. Scotland uses a 3-term system with an October break, a February mid-term break, and an earlier summer holiday (late June to mid-August). Northern Ireland has similar but not identical dates to England. See our Scotland school holidays page for Scottish dates.