Planning the year just got simpler. Finding the correct school summer holidays 2026 UK dates are crucial for family activities, summer break, and childcare arrangements during school holidays. This guide provides the confirmed term start and end dates and key breaks, including the Autumn half-term 2026 dates, to help with your academic year planning.
When Do Summer Holidays Start in 2026?
For most schools in England and Wales, the Summer Break 2026 is expected to begin on Wednesday, 22nd July 2026. This marks the start of the long school summer holiday dates for 2026.
When Do Schools Go Back in 2026?
The new school year 2026 typically starts in early September. Most pupils in England and Wales will return on Tuesday, 1st September 2026. However, always check your local council term dates for the exact day.
UK School Summer Holidays 2026: Key Dates
Here’s a quick summary of the major school holidays to mark in your 2026 school calendar:
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Summer Holidays Start:Â 22 July 2026
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Summer Holidays End:Â 31 August 2026
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Schools Return:Â 1 September 2026 (Approx.)
2026 School Year Calendar
Below is a national overview. School holiday variations by region do occur, especially in Scotland, so confirming with your local authority school information is vital.
England School Holiday Dates 2026
| Holiday Period | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Half-Term | Mon 26 Oct 2026 | Fri 30 Oct 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | Mon 21 Dec 2026 | Fri 1 Jan 2027 |
| Spring Half-Term | Mon 16 Feb 2026 | Fri 20 Feb 2026 |
| Easter Holidays | Fri 3 Apr 2026 | Mon 20 Apr 2026 |
| Summer Half-Term | Mon 1 Jun 2026 | Fri 5 Jun 2026 |
| Summer Holidays | Wed 22 Jul 2026 | Mon 31 Aug 2026 |
Scotland School Holiday Dates 2026
The school calendar for 2026 in Scotland often differs. Edinburgh term dates for 2026, for example, show an earlier summer start.
| Holiday Period | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Term Holiday | Mon 12 Oct 2026 | Fri 16 Oct 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | Mon 21 Dec 2026 | Tue 5 Jan 2027 |
| Mid-Term Holiday | Mon 16 Feb 2026 | Fri 20 Feb 2026 |
| Easter Holidays | Mon 5 Apr 2027 | Fri 16 Apr 2027 |
| Summer Holidays | Starts late June 2026 | Mid-August 2026 |
Read More: Easter Holidays 2026 UK
Wales School Holiday Dates 2026
Wales school holidays in 2026 are generally similar to England’s.
| Holiday Period | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Half-Term | Mon 26 Oct 2026 | Fri 30 Oct 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | Mon 21 Dec 2026 | Fri 1 Jan 2027 |
| Spring Half-Term | Mon 16 Feb 2026 | Fri 20 Feb 2026 |
| Easter Holidays | Fri 3 Apr 2026 | Mon 20 Apr 2026 |
| Summer Half-Term | Mon 1 Jun 2026 | Fri 5 Jun 2026 |
| Summer Holidays | Wed 22 Jul 2026 | Mon 31 Aug 2026 |
Northern Ireland School Holiday Dates 2026
Finalised dates for the Northern Ireland school holidays in the summer of 2026Â are usually published later. Key periods include Halloween, Christmas, and Easter breaks.
2026 Holiday Breakdown
Understanding each mid-term break academic year helps with pacing.
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Autumn Half-Term:Â A week’s respite in late October.
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Christmas Holidays:Â Typically two weeks from late December.
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Spring Half-Term:Â A week in February.
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Easter Holidays:Â Usually two weeks in March/April.
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Summer Half-Term: The late May bank holidays may often fall within this break.
Important Dates & School Closures
Beyond standard holidays, factor in these closures:
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Bank Holidays: The May Day 2026 bank holiday (4 May) and Victoria Day 2026 school closure (18 May) may affect the term.
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Public Holidays: Saint Andrew’s Day 2026, Scotland (30 Nov), is a local holiday.
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Inset Days: These school closure inset days are for teacher training. Dates are set by each school, so check their website.
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Arranging Childcare During School Breaks
Early planning is essential. Explore holiday clubs, childminders, or shared care with other parents well before each school break in 2026 for childcare planning.
Planning Family Activities and Holidays
With the school summer holidays 2026 UK dates confirmed, you can confidently book trips. This quality time for children’s activities is priceless. Remember, travelling outside peak holiday periods can offer better value.
Also Read: UK School Holidays
FAQs
Q1. Are school holiday dates the same everywhere in the UK?
No. There are significant school holiday variations by region. Scotland, in particular, often has different term dates and an earlier summer start compared to England and Wales.
Q2. Where can I find my local school’s exact term dates?
Always check your school’s website or your local council’s education page. They publish the definitive local council term dates.
Q3. When is the May half-term in 2026?
The Half Term 2026 break in late spring is expected to run from Monday, 1st June, to Friday, 5th June, 2026, for many areas.
Q4. Do school holidays include bank holidays?
Yes, schools are always closed on national bank holidays, such as the May Day 2026 bank holiday.
Q5. How far in advance are term dates confirmed?
Local authorities usually publish council dates at least 12-18 months in advance, supporting your planning for holidays in advance.
We hope this guide to the School Summer Holidays 2026 UK empowers your holiday planning, parents. While this article provides a robust national framework, the most accurate source for your child’s school term times is always your own school or local authority.
For the most official guidance, please refer to the UK Government’s education page.
Start planning your family’s unforgettable 2026 today!
