London School Holidays and Term Dates

London school holidays and school term dates run for 195 days each academic year, including inset days for staff training. Whether you need holiday dates for half-term, the summer, Christmas, or Easter break, plus bank holidays, this guide covers community primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, and academies.

We also explain staff training days, Year 6 pupils’ secondary transfer, transition day, local elections, and the autumn, spring, and summer terms.

London School Term Dates

We’ve structured each table to show term starts, half-term breaks, and major holiday closures—all at a glance.

London School Holidays 2025/2026

Below are the confirmed London school holidays and term dates for 2025/2026.

London School Holidays 2026/2027

Below are the confirmed London school holidays and term dates for 2026/2027.

London School Holidays 2027/2028

Below are the confirmed London school holidays and term dates for 2027/2028.

Secondary School Transfer Day

On this day, children visit their new secondary school, meet teachers, and ease the move from primary to secondary education. Mark it in your calendar now—missing it can cause unnecessary anxiety for your child.

Inset Days & Staff Training Days

Schools close for inset days (teacher training). Each school’s governing body decides these. Some schools use twilight sessions (after-school training) instead of full closures, extending holidays slightly.

Also read: Leeds City College Holidays

FAQs

1. How many weeks are there in a London school year?

39 weeks. London schools are open for 195 days (39 weeks) plus 5 inset days, leaving 13 weeks of holiday.

2. Do all London schools have the same term dates?

No. Academies and some special schools set their own dates, but most follow the borough’s pattern.

3. What happens if a school closes for local elections?

The school must extend the summer term or use an inset day to make up lost learning time.

4. Can schools replace inset days with twilight sessions?

Yes. The governing body can approve after-school training, allowing the school to stay open and extend holidays slightly.

5. Where can I find my child’s exact term dates?

Check your school’s own website or your local London borough council’s education page.

Planning family life around London school holidays and term dates doesn’t have to be stressful. Plus clear notes on inset days, secondary transfer, and bank holidays; you’re ready for the next three years.

Official link

For the most authoritative, borough-specific updates:
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham 

Calendar Times UK – Helping London parents plan smarter, one term at a time.