East Sussex School Holidays and Term Dates

Planning your family’s schedule around the East Sussex School Holidays is now easier. This guide provides the complete academic-year calendar, as approved by East Sussex County Council. We’ve compiled all the key term dates and holiday dates you need, including the autumn holiday, Christmas holiday, February half term, spring holiday, May half term, and the long summer holiday. Find everything from the first day of term to the last day of term for state-funded schools right here.

East Sussex County Council School Holidays

The following dates apply to all state-funded schools in the region, though individual INSET days may vary. This calendar helps you map out the entire school year, including the special transition week for students moving from primary to secondary school.

East Sussex School Holidays 2025-2026

East Sussex School Holidays 2026-2027

Detailed East Sussex School Holidays Calendar

Autumn Term 2025: Start, End, and Half-Term

The school year kicks off in early September. The autumn holiday provides a week’s break in late October, perfect for a short family getaway before the festive season.

Christmas Holidays 2025: Key Dates

Schools break up on Friday, 19th December 2025. The Christmas holiday runs for over two weeks, giving families plenty of time to celebrate the new year before children return on Monday, 5th January 2026.

Spring Term 2026: February Half-Term and Easter Break

The Spring Term is split by the February half-term in mid-February. After the term resumes, the longer spring holiday (Easter break) begins in late March and lasts until mid-April.

Summer Term 2026: May Half-Term and Summer Holidays

The summer term includes a week off for the May half-term. The term—and the school year—ends in late July, marking the start of the six-week summer holiday.

Important Information for Parents

• INSET Days: These are teacher training days, and each school sets its own. You’ll need to check your child’s school calendar for these specific dates, as schools will be closed to pupils.

• Transition Week: A special week is set aside at the end of June 2026 for students moving from primary to secondary school. This is a key date for Year 6 parents to note.

• Total School Days: The academic year is structured to ensure the required total school days are met.

• Official Sources: Always confirm with your school. The official proposed term dates can be found on the East Sussex County Council website.

Also Read: Scotland School Holidays

FAQs

Q1. When are the East Sussex school holidays for 2026?

The East Sussex school holidays for 2026 include breaks in February, spring, and May, and a long summer holiday starting July 23rd. See the tables above for all exact dates.

Q2. Do the term dates include INSET days?

No. INSET days are not included in the publicized holiday dates and are determined by each school, so you must check your school’s specific calendar.

Q3. Are these term dates the same for every school in East Sussex?

These dates apply to all community and voluntary-controlled state-funded schools. Academies, free schools, and foundation schools may set their own term dates, so it’s always best to double-check.

Q4. What is Transition Week?

Transition week is dedicated to helping Year 6 students settle into their new secondary schools. It typically involves taster days and activities in the first week of July.

We hope this complete guide to the East Sussex school holidays helps you plan your family time with confidence. For the most definitive source, always refer to the official East Sussex County Council website or the UK Government school term dates page.

Looking for other regional calendars? Explore our guides to Moray School Holidays and see our complete overview of UK School Holidays.