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School term and holiday dates

Please note: these term dates are for guidance only. Some schools set their own term dates or agree minor local variations so you should also consult your school's own website for their individual school dates. 

We are responsible for setting dates for community and voluntary controlled schools. In the interests of consistency for families across the borough, we would recommend the adoption of these dates by voluntary aided, foundation, academy and free schools.

Term and holiday dates for the academic year 2025 - 2026

Autumn 2025

  • Monday 1 September - Friday 24 October (40 days)
  • Half Term: Monday 27 October - Friday 31 October
  • Monday 3 November - Friday 19 December (35 days)
  • Christmas Holiday: Monday 22 December - Friday 2 January

Spring 2026

  • Monday 5 January - Friday 13 February (30 days)
  • Half Term: Monday 16 February - Friday 20 February
  • Monday 23 February - Wednesday 1 April (28 days)
  • Spring Break: Thursday 2 April - Friday 17 April (Bank Holiday Friday 3 April)

Summer 2026

  • Monday 20 April - Friday 22 May (24 days)
  • Half Term: Monday 25 May - Friday 29 May
  • Monday 1 June - Wednesday 22 July (38 days)
  • Summer holidays: Thursday 23 July - Monday 31 August

Return to school Tuesday 1 September 2026.

The Education (School Day and School Year) (England) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No. 3181) requires schools to have at least 380 half-day sessions (190 days) in each school year, beginning with the first term to start after July. This is consistent with the 195 days a year required by a teacher's statutory conditions of service: the additional five days are for in-service training (known as INSET days).

The governing body of a school is responsible for setting five INSET days out of the school calendar. The school should communicate this information to parents – via such channels as a letter and/or school newsletter and also publish it on the school website. They should also provide this information to their local authority.

  • Where schools have more than fifty percent of pupils from a neighbouring local authority (LA) they will be permitted to align their term and holiday dates with that LA
  • Voluntary controlled primary schools are permitted to align their dates with the aided secondary school for which they are a named feeder school

Common questions