ENG School Holidays 2026
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Find the complete ENG 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 ENG in 2026. With 6 terms and 6 school breaks, our ENG school term dates are verified directly from GOV.UK. 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.
October Half Term
Oct 26 – Oct 30, 2026
ENG Term Dates 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term 1 | 39 days | — | ||
| Autumn Term 2 | 35 days | — | ||
| Spring Term 1 | 29 days | — | ||
| Spring Term 2 | 24 days | — | ||
| Summer Term 1 | 34 days | — | ||
| Summer Term 2 | 33 days | — |
ENG School Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October Half Term | 5 days | One-week break in late October. | ||
| Christmas Holidays | 14 days | Approximately two-week break over Christmas and New Year. | ||
| February Half Term | 5 days | One-week break in mid-February. | ||
| Easter Holidays | 15 days | Two-week break around Easter. Good Friday is March 26, Easter Monday is March 29. | ||
| May Half Term | 5 days | One-week break at the end of May. | ||
| Summer Holidays | 41 days | Approximately 6-week summer break. Exact end date varies by school. |
ENG Public Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Boxing Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Boxing Day (Observed) | 1 days | Observed as Boxing Day falls on a Saturday. | ||
| New Year's Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Good Friday | 1 days | — | ||
| Easter Monday | 1 days | — | ||
| Early May Bank Holiday | 1 days | — | ||
| Spring Bank Holiday | 1 days | — | ||
| Summer Bank Holiday | 1 days | England, Wales, Northern Ireland. |
ENG 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
Detailed 2026 ENG School Year Information
Autumn Term 1
Tue, Sep 1, 2026 – Fri, Oct 23, 2026
Autumn Term 2
Mon, Nov 2, 2026 – Fri, Dec 18, 2026
Spring Term 1
Mon, Jan 4, 2027 – Fri, Feb 12, 2027
Spring Term 2
Mon, Feb 22, 2027 – Thu, Mar 25, 2027
Summer Term 1
Mon, Apr 12, 2027 – Fri, May 28, 2027
Summer Term 2
Mon, Jun 7, 2027 – Wed, Jul 21, 2027
ENG School Holidays 2026 — Key Dates
These ENG school holiday dates for 2026 are sourced directly from GOV.UK. UK school term dates are set by local councils, so dates vary by area. The dates below represent the most common schedule across England for the 2026-2027 academic year. Always check with your local council for exact dates. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different school calendars.
Planning Tips for 2026 ENG School Holidays
🗓️ Book Early for ENG School Holiday Periods
ENG school holiday periods are the busiest times for travel and accommodation. Book flights, hotels, and activities at least 6-8 weeks in advance to secure the best prices and availability, especially during the summer and Christmas/New Year breaks.
🎨 Plan 2026 School Holiday Activities
Many vacation care programs, sports camps, and holiday workshops open bookings weeks before ENG school holidays begin. Popular programs fill up quickly, so research and register early to avoid disappointment.
📚 Balance Learning and Rest During School Breaks
While ENG school holidays are a time for rest, incorporating light educational activities can help children stay engaged. Consider reading programs, educational day trips, or online learning platforms that make learning fun during the 2026 school break.
👨👩👧👦 Coordinate with Other ENG Parents
Organize playdates and shared childcare with other parents to reduce stress and costs during ENG school holidays. Many communities have local Facebook groups or apps where parents coordinate holiday activities and care arrangements.
Official Source & Data Accuracy
Data source: GOV.UK
Last updated: July 12, 2026
Note: UK school term dates are set by local councils, so dates vary by area. The dates below represent the most common schedule across England for the 2026-2027 academic year. Always check with your local council for exact dates. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different school calendars.
ENG School Holidays 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the UK school holidays for 2026-2027?
UK school holidays for the 2026-2027 academic year include October Half Term (October 26-30, 2026), Christmas Holidays (December 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027), February Half Term (February 15-19, 2027), Easter Holidays (March 26 – April 9, 2027), May Half Term (May 31 – June 4, 2027), and Summer Holidays (July 22 – August 31, 2027).
When does the 2026-2027 school year start in the UK?
The 2026-2027 academic year in the UK starts on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with Autumn Term 1. The school year ends on Wednesday, July 21, 2027.
How long is the summer holiday in the UK?
The UK summer holiday is approximately 6 weeks long, typically from late July to late August or early September. For 2027, summer holidays run from July 22 to August 31, 2027.
Do UK school holidays vary by council?
Yes. In the UK, school term and holiday dates are set by local councils, so dates can vary between neighbouring areas. Always check with your local council or school for exact dates.
What is half term in the UK?
Half term is a one-week break in the middle of each school term. There are typically three half-term breaks per academic year: in October, February, and May.
Do Scotland and Northern Ireland have different school holidays?
Yes. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different school calendars from England and Wales. Scotland's summer holiday typically starts earlier (late June) and ends in mid-August. Northern Ireland has similar but not identical dates to England.
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.
Looking for School Holidays in Other Countries?
Browse school holiday dates and term dates for multiple countries worldwide. Free, accurate, and always up to date.