UK Half Term Dates 2027-2028
🇬🇧 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 2027-2028 academic year - the October half term 2027, February half term 2028, and May half term 2028. 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 2027-2028 at a glance
- October half term 2027: 25-29 October 2027
- February half term 2028: 14-18 February 2028
- May half term 2028: 30 May - 2 June 2028 (Spring Bank Holiday Monday 29 May)
Half Term Dates 2027-2028
| Half Term | Typical Dates | Region |
|---|---|---|
| October Half Term 2027 | Monday 25 October – Friday 29 October 2027 | England (typical) |
| February Half Term 2028 | Monday 14 February – Friday 18 February 2028 | England (typical) |
| May Half Term 2028 | Tuesday 30 May – Friday 2 June 2028 | England (typical) |
Pattern verified against Essex County Council's published 2027-2028 term dates and cross-checked with Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Walsall (September 2026). Academies, foundation and faith schools may set their own dates, and every council schedules five staff INSET days outside pupil attendance.
Full 2027-2028 Term Dates (England, typical pattern)
| Period | Typical Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term 1 | Wed 1 September – Fri 22 October 2027 |
| October Half Term | Mon 25 – Fri 29 October 2027 |
| Autumn Term 2 | Mon 1 November – Fri 17 December 2027 |
| Christmas Holidays | Mon 20 December 2027 – Mon 3 January 2028 |
| Spring Term 1 | Tue 4 January – Fri 11 February 2028 |
| February Half Term | Mon 14 – Fri 18 February 2028 |
| Spring Term 2 | Mon 21 February – Fri 31 March 2028 |
| Easter Holidays | Mon 3 April – Mon 17 April 2028 (Good Friday 14 April, Easter Monday 17 April) |
| Summer Term 1 | Tue 18 April – Fri 26 May 2028 |
| May Half Term | Mon 29 May (bank holiday) – Fri 2 June 2028 |
| Summer Term 2 | Mon 5 June – Fri 21 July 2028 |
| Summer Holidays | Mon 24 July – Fri 31 August 2028 |
Half Term 2027-2028 FAQs
When is October half term 2027?
The October half term 2027 (for the 2027-2028 academic year) falls from Monday 25 to Friday 29 October 2027 in England. This is the pattern published by most councils, including Essex, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Oxfordshire. Exact dates are set by each local council, so confirm with your council.
When is the February half term 2028?
The February half term 2028 typically falls from Monday 14 to Friday 18 February 2028 in England, though some councils place it a week later (21-25 February 2028). Check your local council term dates to confirm which week applies in your area.
When is the May half term 2028?
The May half term 2028 falls from Tuesday 30 May to Friday 2 June 2028 in most English councils, with the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 29 May extending the break for many schools.
When does the 2027-2028 school year start and end in England?
Most English councils start the autumn term on Wednesday 1 September or Thursday 2 September 2027 (some on Monday 6 September after INSET days), and the school year ends around Friday 21 July 2028, with the summer holiday starting Monday 24 July 2028.
When are the Easter holidays in 2028?
In 2028 Easter is late: Good Friday falls on 14 April and Easter Monday on 17 April. Most English schools break up on Friday 1 April 2028 (or Friday 31 March) and return on Tuesday 18 April 2028.
Do half term dates vary by council?
Yes. School term and holiday dates in England are set by each local council (and by academies themselves), 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.