Planning your family’s year around the Highland Council school holidays just got easier. Here at Calendar Times UK, we know that getting a head start on the academic calendar is key to organising everything from family adventures to childcare. In this guide, we cover the Highland Council school holidays for 2025, 2026, and 2027, including term times, in-service days, and tips for enjoying family time in the Scottish Highlands.
Whether you’re syncing your Daily Planner or mapping out a Weekly Planner for the year ahead, we’ve got you covered. Understanding these school holidays is crucial for any family navigating the UK school holidays system, especially within the unique Highland Council academic year.
Highland Council School Holidays 2025
Mark your calendars! Here are the confirmed term breaks and in-service days for the 2025 school year.
| Holiday Period | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| February Break | Monday 17th – Tuesday 18th Feb | |
| Wednesday 19th February | In-Service Day | |
| Easter Holidays | Monday 7th April – Monday, 21st April | |
| May Day | Monday 5th May | Public Holiday |
| Monday 2nd June | In-Service Day | |
| Summer Holidays | Starts Friday 4th July | |
| Monday 18th August | In-Service Day | |
| Monday 15th – Tuesday 16th Sept | In-Service Days | |
| October Holidays | Monday 13th – Friday, 24th October | |
| Christmas Break | Wed 24th Dec – Tue 6th Jan 2026 |
Highland Council School Holidays 2026
Plan for 2026 with these important Highland Council school holiday dates.
| Holiday Period | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| February Break | Monday 16th – Tuesday 17th Feb | |
| Wednesday 18th February | In-Service Day | |
| Easter Holidays | Friday 3rd April – Friday, 17th April | |
| May Day | Monday 4th May | Public Holiday |
| Thursday 7th May | In-Service Day | |
| Summer Holidays | Starts Friday 3rd July | |
| Monday 17th – Tuesday, 18th August | In-Service Days | |
| October Holidays | Monday 12th – Friday, 23rd October | |
| Christmas Break | Wed 23rd Dec – Tue 6th Jan 2027 |
Read More: Renfrewshire School Holidays
Highland Council School Holidays 2027
Looking even further forward? Here’s a provisional look at the Highland Council school holiday dates for 2027.
| Holiday Period | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| February Break | Monday 15th – Tuesday 16th Feb | |
| Wednesday 17th February | In-Service Day | |
| Easter Holidays | Friday 26th March – Friday, 9th Apr | |
| May Day | Monday 3rd May | Public Holiday |
| Thursday 6th May | In-Service Day | |
| Summer Holidays | Starts Friday 2nd July |
Please note: The council typically confirms dates for Autumn 2027 (October holidays and Christmas) at a later date. Always check the Highland Council website for the most up-to-date information.
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Major School Holidays in Highland Council
The Highland Council academic year is structured around six main holiday periods, which are common across school holidays in Scotland. These are
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Autumn Break (October Holidays): A two-week break in mid-October.
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Christmas and New Year Break:Â A roughly two-week holiday covering the festive period.
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February Break:Â A short mid-term break, often accompanied by in-service days.
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Easter Holidays:Â A two-week spring break whose dates change each year.
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Summer Holidays:Â The long six-week break, starting in early July.
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In-Service Days: Also known as teacher training days. Schools are closed to pupils on these days, which are scattered throughout the year—something crucial to remember when planning childcare.
Tips for Planning Around Highland School Holidays
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Book early: Accommodation in popular destinations like Aviemore gets reserved months in advance.
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Use local attractions: Many Highland museums, parks, and family centers run special holiday programs.
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Plan childcare: For working parents, in-service days and half-term breaks may require additional arrangements.
Also Read: North Ayrshire School Holidays
Family-Friendly Holidays in the Highlands
The Scottish Highlands offer countless family holiday opportunities during school breaks. Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park are particularly popular, with lodges, walking trails, and family-friendly activities. Many families align their trips with the school holiday calendar to make the most of these attractions.
If you’re planning a staycation in Scotland, consider booking early, as accommodation fills quickly during the summer and October school holidays.
FAQs
Q1. When do Highland schools break up for summer in 2025?
Schools break up for the summer holidays on Friday, 4th July 2025.
Q2. What are the Highland Council Easter holiday dates for 2026?
The Easter holidays in 2026 run from Friday, 3rd April, to Friday, 17th April.
Q3. Are the Christmas school holidays the same every year?
The Christmas and New Year school holidays typically run for two weeks, starting around the 23rd or 24th of December and ending around the 6th of January of the following year.
Q4. Where can I find the most official and up-to-date term dates?
The single source of truth is always the Highland Council website. We strive for accuracy at Calendar Times UK, but official confirmations from the council should always take precedence.
Don’t forget to save this page to your bookmarks and check back for any updates! For more help organising your time, explore our range of digital and printable planners here at Calendar Times UK.
