Planning family activities or need to book holidays around the school term dates for 2025-26? At Calendar Times UK, we’ve got you covered! Wondering, “When do school holidays start in the UK in 2025?” This guide breaks down summer school holidays, Easter breaks, and regional variations for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
We provide reliable school term and holiday dates. Plus, download our printable calendar UK 2025 to stay organized with UK School Holidays and key dates!
When Do School Holidays Start?
This common question has different answers across the UK. Most schools in England and Wales finish in late July 2025, while Scottish schools typically break up in late June, perfect for earlier family activities and holidays. Northern Ireland falls somewhere in between. Remember, exact dates depend on your local authority, so it’s always worth checking our calendar, UK 2025, or your council website. Private schools and academies may have slightly different schedules, too.
Overview of UK School Holidays
The UK school year follows a three-term structure with breaks in between. The autumn term runs from September to December, including an October half-term week. Spring Term covers January to April with a February break and Easter holidays. Finally, the summer term lasts from April to July, ending with the long summer holidays. While this pattern applies nationwide, dates vary—especially in Scotland, where terms start and finish earlier than in England and Wales.
The UK academic year consists of three main terms with breaks in between:
- Autumn Term (September to December)—Includes October half-term
- Spring Term (January to April)—Features February half-term and Easter break
- Summer Term (April to July)—Ends with the long Summer Holidays
Each region sets its own school holidays and term dates, so check our calendar UK 2025 for precise schedules.
School Term Dates for 2025-2026
For parents planning, here’s what to expect in 2025-26. Most English and Welsh schools begin in early September 2025, finishing in late July 2026. Scottish schools typically start in mid-August 2025 and end in late June 2026. Northern Ireland follows a similar pattern to England but with minor variations.
Here’s a quick look at school term dates for 2025-26:
- England & Wales: Typically early September to late July
- Scotland: Mid-August to late June (earlier summer break)
- Northern Ireland: Similar to England, with slight variations
Exact dates depend on local authorities—some areas, like South Lanarkshire, may adjust slightly.
Read More: Renfrewshire School Holidays
Summer Holidays School 2025
The summer holidays are the longest break, perfect for family trips. In 2025:
- England & Wales: ~Late July to early September
- Scotland: ~Late June to mid-August
- Northern Ireland: ~Early July to late August
Key School Holiday Dates for 2025-2026
England & Wales
- Autumn Half-Term: Late October 2025
- Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026
- Easter Holidays: Late March to mid-April 2026
- Summer Break: Late July to early September 2026
Scotland
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Summer Holidays: Late June to mid-August 2025 (earlier than England)
Northern Ireland
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Slightly different half-term dates—check local councils.
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When Do School Holidays Start in England?
English schools generally follow a consistent pattern: Autumn Term starts in early September, Spring Term begins in early January, and Summer Term runs from April to July. The 2025 summer holidays school will likely start around July 21-25 for most areas. However, exact dates vary between local authorities—for example, London boroughs may have slightly different schedules. Always check your council’s website for precise term dates if you’re planning family activities or need to arrange childcare.
When Do School Holidays Start in Scotland?
Scottish schools famously break up earlier than the rest of the UK. The 2025 summer break will likely start around late June, running until mid-August. This earlier finish traces back to historical academic calendars and allows for different exam schedules. Other breaks like Easter and October half-term also differ slightly from England. If you’re looking for specific dates like Renfrewshire school holidays, check local council websites for the most accurate information.
How to Check Your Local School Holiday Dates
The most reliable way to check your school term and holiday dates is through your local council website—just search for your area (like South Lanarkshire School Holidays). School websites also publish term dates, and many offer printable calendars.
At Calendar Times UK, we compile the latest dates across all regions—bookmark our UK printable calendar page for easy access to all 2025-26 school holiday information in one place.
Planning Around School Holidays
Smart planning makes all the difference during school holidays. For travel, book flights and accommodation early to beat the price hikes during peak periods like the summer holidays and school holidays. Many parents arrange holiday clubs or childcare months in advance. Consider visiting attractions mid-week when they’re less crowded. Our top tip? Use our printable calendar UK 2025 to map out all the term dates and UK bank holidays—perfect for coordinating work schedules with school breaks.
- Family activities: Museums and attractions get busy—book ahead!
- Childcare: Secure holiday clubs early
- Travel: Avoid peak Summer holiday prices by booking in advance
FAQs
Q1. What dates are UK school holidays?
They vary by nation and local authority. England/Wales typically run late July-early September, Scotland late June-mid August, and Northern Ireland early July-late August.
Q2. What are the Scottish school holidays?
This tradition dates back to different academic calendars and allows time for exam marking before the August holidays.
Q3. Do all schools in the UK have the same holidays?
No—academies, private schools, and some local authorities may set different dates. Always check with your specific school.
Bookmark Calendar Times UK for the latest school term and holiday dates!
