Wales School Holidays 2026
🏴 United Kingdom
Find the complete Wales 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 Wales in 2026. With 3 terms and 6 school breaks, our Wales school term dates are verified directly from Welsh Government (GOV.WALES). 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.
Officially published, but dates may vary by sub-region or individual school. Confirm with your local school. Last verified: Sep 6, 2026.
Autumn Half Term
Oct 26 – Oct 30, 2026
Wales Term Dates 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 109 days | Most authorities start Tuesday 1 September 2026 and end Friday 18 December. | ||
| Spring Term | 75 days | Monday 4 January to Friday 19 March 2027. | ||
| Summer Term | 107 days | Monday 5 April to Tuesday 20 July 2027 (Powys ends 16 July). |
Wales School Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term | 5 days | All authorities. | ||
| Christmas Holiday | 12 days | — | ||
| Spring Half Term | 5 days | All authorities. | ||
| Easter Holiday | 12 days | Includes Good Friday 26 March and Easter Monday 29 March 2027. | ||
| Summer Half Term | 5 days | Includes Spring Bank Holiday Monday 31 May. All authorities. | ||
| Summer Holiday | 42 days | Starts after the summer term ends (20 July in most authorities; 16 July in Powys). |
Wales Public Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Boxing Day | 1 days | — | ||
| 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 | — |
Wales 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 Wales School Year Information
Autumn Term
Tue, Sep 1, 2026 – Fri, Dec 18, 2026
Most authorities start Tuesday 1 September 2026 and end Friday 18 December.
Spring Term
Mon, Jan 4, 2027 – Fri, Mar 19, 2027
Monday 4 January to Friday 19 March 2027.
Summer Term
Mon, Apr 5, 2027 – Tue, Jul 20, 2027
Monday 5 April to Tuesday 20 July 2027 (Powys ends 16 July).
Wales School Holidays 2026 — Key Dates
These Wales school holiday dates for 2026 are sourced directly from Welsh Government (GOV.WALES). Welsh Government sets approved school term dates for all 22 local authorities. Half-term and Easter dates are common to all authorities; a few councils shift the autumn start (1 or 2 September), the Christmas break end (17/20/22 December) and the summer term end (19/20/21 July). The dates below show the most common pattern. INSET days are set by each school and are not included.
Planning Tips for 2026 Wales School Holidays
🏛️ One approved pattern for 22 councils
The Welsh Government publishes approved term dates that all 22 local authorities follow closely — half terms and Easter are identical across Wales, with only a few councils shifting autumn start or summer end by a day or two.
📏 INSET days are school-chosen
Like England, each school places five training days inside the approved pattern, so pupils may return after the official term start. Check your school's own calendar.
⛰️ Half terms are quiet on the trails
Easter and May half term fall outside England's busiest weeks in some years, making Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Pembrokeshire coast noticeably calmer than in English half-term weeks.
✈️ Term-time fines apply in Wales too
Local authorities can fine unauthorised term-time absence. The October, February and May half terms are the practical family-travel windows.
Source & Data Accuracy
Data source: Welsh Government (GOV.WALES)
Last updated: September 8, 2026
Officially published, but dates may vary by sub-region or individual school. Confirm with your local school. Last verified: Sep 6, 2026.
Note: Welsh Government sets approved school term dates for all 22 local authorities. Half-term and Easter dates are common to all authorities; a few councils shift the autumn start (1 or 2 September), the Christmas break end (17/20/22 December) and the summer term end (19/20/21 July). The dates below show the most common pattern. INSET days are set by each school and are not included.
Wales 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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