Northern Ireland School Holidays 2026
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Find the complete Northern Ireland school holidays 2026-2027 calendar right here. This page lists all term dates, half-term breaks, Christmas holidays, Easter holidays, and the summer break for Northern Ireland in 2026. With 3 terms and 11 school breaks, our Northern Ireland school term dates are verified directly from Department of Education (Northern Ireland). Whether you're planning a family holiday during the half-term break or need to know when the 2026 summer holidays start, you'll find all the dates you need below.
Dates verified against official source for the current school year. Last verified: Sep 6, 2026.
TransformED NI Closure Day
Sep 25 – Sep 25, 2026
Northern Ireland Term Dates 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 109 days | Schools resume Tuesday 1 September 2026. Term ends Friday 18 December, before the Christmas break starting Monday 21 December. | ||
| Spring Term | 80 days | Term ends Wednesday 24 March 2027, before the Easter break starting Thursday 25 March. | ||
| Summer Term | 87 days | Easter Monday 5 April 2027. Summer holiday begins Thursday 1 July 2027. |
Northern Ireland School Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TransformED NI Closure Day | 1 days | Extra 2026/27 closure day granted for the TransformED NI reform programme (first term). Actual local dates may vary by school. | ||
| Halloween Break | 2 days | Thursday 29 and Friday 30 October 2026 (official non-operational dates). | ||
| Christmas and New Year | 12 days | Monday 21 December 2026 to Friday 1 January 2027. | ||
| TransformED NI Closure Day | 1 days | Extra 2026/27 closure day granted for the TransformED NI reform programme (second term). Actual local dates may vary by school. | ||
| Mid-Term Break | 2 days | Thursday 11 and Friday 12 February 2027. | ||
| St Patrick's Day | 1 days | Wednesday 17 March 2027, within the spring term. | ||
| Easter | 9 days | Thursday 25 March to Friday 2 April 2027, including Good Friday 26 March and Easter Monday 29 March. | ||
| May Day | 1 days | Monday 3 May 2027. | ||
| TransformED NI Closure Day | 1 days | Extra 2026/27 closure day granted for the TransformED NI reform programme (third term). Actual local dates may vary by school. | ||
| Spring Bank Holiday | 1 days | Monday 31 May 2027. | ||
| Summer Holidays | 62 days | Begin Thursday 1 July 2027. |
Northern Ireland Public Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Boxing Day | 1 days | — | ||
| New Year's Day | 1 days | — | ||
| St Patrick's Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Good Friday | 1 days | — | ||
| Easter Monday | 1 days | — | ||
| May Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Spring Bank Holiday | 1 days | — | ||
| Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day) | 1 days | 12 July, falls within the summer holiday. |
Northern Ireland School 2026 Calendar — Month by Month
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June 2026
July 2026
August 2026
September 2026
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
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Detailed 2026 Northern Ireland School Year Information
Autumn Term
Tue, Sep 1, 2026 – Fri, Dec 18, 2026
Schools resume Tuesday 1 September 2026. Term ends Friday 18 December, before the Christmas break starting Monday 21 December.
Spring Term
Mon, Jan 4, 2027 – Wed, Mar 24, 2027
Term ends Wednesday 24 March 2027, before the Easter break starting Thursday 25 March.
Summer Term
Mon, Apr 5, 2027 – Wed, Jun 30, 2027
Easter Monday 5 April 2027. Summer holiday begins Thursday 1 July 2027.
Northern Ireland School Holidays 2026 — Key Dates
These Northern Ireland school holiday dates for 2026 are sourced directly from Department of Education (Northern Ireland). The Department of Education NI publishes the official non-operational dates framework for the 2026/2027 school year; individual school boards of governors may adjust dates at their discretion. The 2027/2028 calendar has not yet been published — check the Department of Education page for updates.
Planning Tips for 2026 Northern Ireland School Holidays
🏛️ A short, distinctive holiday framework
The Department of Education NI publishes non-operational dates: a two-day Halloween break, two-day February mid-term, and Easter — plus St Patrick's Day, which no other UK region gets as a school holiday.
🏫 Boards of governors have discretion
Schools may adjust dates to suit their circumstances, and staff development days are set per school. Confirm with the school rather than assuming the published framework.
📅 Summer starts earlier than England
NI schools break for summer at the start of July, about three weeks before English schools — early July is the local family-travel window.
🗓️ The next year is published late
Unlike Australia or the Netherlands, the following year's NI calendar is usually confirmed only months ahead. Watch the Department of Education page for the new school year release.
Source & Data Accuracy
Data source: Department of Education (Northern Ireland)
Last updated: September 8, 2026
Dates verified against official source for the current school year. Last verified: Sep 6, 2026.
Note: The Department of Education NI publishes the official non-operational dates framework for the 2026/2027 school year; individual school boards of governors may adjust dates at their discretion. The 2027/2028 calendar has not yet been published — check the Department of Education page for updates.
Northern Ireland School Holidays 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
How many school holidays are there in 2026?
Most school systems have 4-6 major holiday periods throughout the year, typically including a long summer break, a winter/Christmas break, and shorter mid-term breaks in spring and autumn. The exact number depends on your country and region.
What is the longest school holiday?
The summer holiday is typically the longest school break worldwide. In Australia, it lasts about 5-6 weeks (December-January). In the UK, the summer break is approximately 6 weeks (July-August). In the US, summer break is the longest at 10-12 weeks (June-August). In Singapore, the year-end holidays last about 6 weeks.
Are school holidays the same across all states or regions?
No. School holiday dates vary by state, region, and sometimes even by individual school district or local council. While neighbouring areas often have similar schedules, you should always check the specific dates for your local area.
Can I take my child out of school during term time?
Rules vary by country. In the UK, taking children out of school during term time without authorization can result in fines. In Australia, it is generally discouraged but policies vary by state. In the US, policies are set by individual school districts. Always check with your school before planning term-time absences.
Do private schools have different holiday dates?
Yes, private and independent schools often set their own term dates, which may differ from government/public schools. However, most private schools follow similar schedules to nearby public schools, with minor variations. Check directly with your school for exact dates.
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