Durham School Holidays and Term Dates 2025/26/27

Planning your family’s school calendar for the next few years? You’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide breaks down all the key Durham school holidays and term dates for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years, including dates from the Durham County Council and independent schools such as IGS Durham. We’ve also included essential info on teacher training days, bank holidays, and how to confirm your specific dates. Let’s dive in!

Durham County Council School Holidays and Term Dates

The Durham County Council publishes recommended dates, but it’s crucial to remember that aided schools and academies can set their own. Always check with your school or its school website for the final confirmed holiday dates.

Durham School Holidays 2025/2026

Here is the official schedule for the Durham school holidays for the 2025/26 academic year, which has 193 school days.

Durham School Holidays 2026/2027

Here is the official schedule for the 2026/27 academic year, which has 195 school days.

Independent School Term Dates: IGS Durham 2025/26

Independent schools like IGS Durham often follow a different academic year structure, using traditional terms like Michaelmas, Lent, and Trinity.

• Michaelmas Term 2025: Begins Wednesday, 10th September 2025.

• Michaelmas Half Term: Monday, 27th October, to Friday, 31st October, 2025.

• Christmas Holidays: Monday, 22nd December 2025 to Friday, 9th January 2026.

• Lent Term 2026: Begins Monday, 12th January 2026.

• Lent Half Term 2026: Monday, 23rd February to Friday, 27th February 2026.

• Easter Holidays: Monday, 30th March to Friday, 17th April 2026.

• Trinity Term 2026: Begins Monday, 20th April 2026.

• Trinity Half Term: Monday, 25th May to Friday, 29th May 2026.

• Summer Break: School breaks up for summer on Friday, 17th July 2026.

Teacher Training Days (PD Days) in Durham

Teacher training days (also known as PD days) are a key part of the school calendar that parents need to factor in. Unlike main holidays, these are set by each school.

• In 2025/26, schools will close for 3 PD days and use 2 further days via twilight sessions or holidays.

• In 2026/27, up to 5 days can be used for training days.

The only way to get the exact dates is to check with your school directly, as they are not set by the council.

Bank Holidays Affecting Durham School Terms 2025/26

Durham schools are closed on national bank holidays. For the 2025/26 year, the key ones are:

• Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4th May 2026.

• Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25th May 2026.

Also Read: Bank Holidays UK 2026

Key Things to Remember

1. Verify With Your School: This guide provides a fantastic framework, but always confirm the exact term dates and PD days with your child’s school website. This is the most reliable source.

2. Plan Around Training Days: Remember to account for teacher training days when booking appointments or childcare.

3. Mark Your Calendar: Use a trusted daily planner to mark all the key dates from this article to avoid any last-minute surprises.

For the most accurate and complete schedule for schools in County Durham, it is best to check the official County Durham Council website.

FAQs

Q1. When do Durham schools break up for summer?

For the 2025/26 year, most council schools break up on Monday, 20th July 2026. Always check with your specific school to confirm.

Q2. Do all schools in Durham have the same holidays?

No. Aided schools and academies can set their own term dates. It’s essential to check your school’s website for its confirmed calendar.

Q3. Are Durham schools closed on May Day?

Yes. Schools are closed for the May Day bank holiday. In 2026, they close on Friday, 1st May, and reopen on Tuesday, 5th May.

Q4. How do I find my school’s teacher training days?

Your school’s website or office will have the confirmed dates for PD days, as they are set individually by each school.

We hope this detailed guide to Durham school holidays for 2025/26 and 2026/27 helps you plan your family’s schedule with confidence.

For more planning resources, from UK School Holidays to specific council guides like Falkirk Council School Holidays or North Lanarkshire school holidays, explore the rest of Calendar Times UK.