Cheshire West School Holidays and Term Dates

Read More: Cheshire East School Holidays

Key Dates for Parents: Half Terms & Breaks

Half Term Dates 2025-2028

• 2025: Autumn: 27 Oct – 31 Oct

• 2026: Spring: 16 Feb – 20 Feb | Summer: 25 May – 29 May

• 2027: Autumn: 26 Oct – 30 Oct | Spring: 15 Feb – 19 Feb | Summer: 31 May – 4 June

• 2028: Autumn: 25 Oct – 29 Oct | Spring: 14 Feb – 18 Feb | Summer: 29 May – 2 June

Christmas Holiday Periods

These breaks typically run for about two weeks, from just before Christmas Day until early January.

• 2025/26: 22 December – 2 January

• 2026/27: 21 December – 1 January (with 3 Jan as a substitute bank holiday)

• 2027/28: 20 December – 3 January (with 3 Jan as a substitute bank holiday)

Summer Holiday Start & End Dates

• 2026: Start: Thursday, 23 July | End: Monday, 31 August (Return: Tuesday, 1 September)

• 2027: Start: Thursday, 22 July | End: Tuesday, 31 August

• 2028: Start: Monday, 24 July | End: Thursday, 31 August

Bank Holiday School Closures

Schools are closed on national bank holidays. Key dates affecting term times include:

• Early May Bank Holiday: Monday 4 May 2026; Monday 3 May 2027; Monday 1 May 2028.

• Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 25 May 2026; Monday 31 May 2027; Monday 29 May 2028.

• Summer Bank Holiday: Monday 31 August 2026; Monday 30 August 2027; Monday 28 August 2028.

Pro Tip: When a bank holiday falls in a holiday period (like Good Friday), the break is simply longer. If it falls in a term, it’s a day off for everyone.

INSET Days & Teacher Training Information

Understanding INSET Days in Cheshire West

INSET days (In-Service Training days) are dedicated to teacher training dates and staff development. Schools are closed to pupils on these days. Each school’s governing body sets five INSET days per year.

How Schools Communicate Training Days

Schools are required to communicate their specific INSET days calendar clearly to parents. You should find this information through:

• A letter or email at the start of the year.

• The school’s newsletter.

• The “Term Dates” or “Calendar” section of your school’s website.

Always check your child’s school calendar directly, as INSET days can vary and affect your childcare plans.

Planning Resources & Important Information

Cheshire West and Chester Council Resources

For the most authoritative source, always refer to the Cheshire West and Chester Council website. They publish the agreed term dates, which individual schools then adapt. You can find official communications and local authority information there.

School Year Regulations & Requirements

The structure of the school year is governed by The Education (School Day and School Year) (England) Regulations. These set out the 190-school-day rule and provide the framework that local authorities and schools follow.

Tips for Holiday Planning

1. Book Early: Especially for summer holidays, accommodation and travel prices rise quickly.

2. Confirm INSET Days: As soon as your school publishes its calendar, note the INSET days and add them to your family planner.

3. Use Official Sources: Double-check dates on your school’s website and the Cheshire West and Chester Council site before finalising plans.

4. Consider Term-Time Holidays: Family holidays during term times are strongly discouraged by schools and can result in fines from the local authority. Always apply for exceptional circumstances leave in advance if necessary.

FAQs

Q1. When do Cheshire West schools break up for summer 2026?

Cheshire West schools break up for the summer holidays on Wednesday, 22nd July 2026. The holiday then runs until Monday, 31st August 2026.

Q2. Are school term dates the same for all schools in Cheshire West?

The core holidays and terms are the same, but individual schools set their own INSET days. Always check your specific school’s website for its complete calendar.

Q3. Do schools close for all bank holidays?

Yes, schools are closed on national bank holidays. If a bank holiday falls within a term (like the May bank holidays), it is a school closure day for pupils.

Q4. Where can I get a printable version of these dates?

The official Cheshire West school dates PDF is available from the Cheshire West and Chester Council website. Your child’s school may also provide a printable version of their specific calendar.

We hope this complete guide to Cheshire West school holidays and term dates helps you plan your family’s year with confidence. Remember, while this guide provides the authoritative framework, your child’s school will have the final, specific calendar, including their INSET days.

Always double-check with your school’s official communications for absolute certainty. For the underlying authority, you can visit the Cheshire West and Chester Council website or the UK government site for national education regulations.