Planning the Manchester school holidays and juggling childcare around Manchester school term dates can feel like a puzzle. While most schools follow the Manchester City Council calendar, the term dates of voluntary-aided, foundation, and academy schools can differ. This guide cuts through the confusion, providing the official local authority dates for the academic year—including all Easter, Christmas, and summer holiday periods—plus a free school holiday planner to simplify planning for parents.
Manchester School Term Dates: The Complete List
Here are the confirmed and projected Manchester school term dates and holiday periods. Remember, school opening and school closing dates for individual schools, especially academy holidays, should always be verified directly.
Manchester School Holidays 2025/2026
| Term / Holiday Period | Start Date (School Opens) | End Date (School Closes) |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term 2025 | Monday 1 September 2025 | Friday 24 October 2025 |
| October Half Term | Holiday | Holiday |
| Autumn Term (cont.) | Monday 3 November 2025 | Friday 19 December 2025 |
| Christmas Holiday | Holiday | Holiday |
| Spring Term 2026 | Monday 5 January 2026 | Friday 13 February 2026 |
| February Half Term | Holiday | Holiday |
| Spring Term (cont.) | Monday 23 February 2026 | Thursday 2 April 2026 |
| Easter Holiday | Holiday | Holiday |
| Summer Term 2026 | Monday 20 April 2026 | Friday 22 May 2026 |
| May Half Term | Holiday | Holiday |
| Summer Term (cont.) | Monday 1 June 2026 | Tuesday 21 July 2026 |
| Summer Holiday | Begins | Wednesday 22 July 2026 |
Manchester School Holidays 2026/2027
| Term / Holiday Period | Start Date (School Opens) | End Date (School Closes) |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term 2026 | Tuesday 1 September 2026 | Friday 23 October 2026 |
| October Half Term | Holiday | Holiday |
| Autumn Term (cont.) | Monday 2 November 2026 | Friday 18 December 2026 |
| Christmas Holiday | Holiday | Holiday |
| Spring Term 2027 | Monday 4 January 2027 | Friday 12 February 2027 |
| February Half Term | Holiday | Holiday |
| Spring Term (cont.) | Monday 22 February 2027 | Friday 2 April 2027 |
| Easter Holiday | Holiday | Holiday |
| Summer Term 2027 | Monday 19 April 2027 | Friday 28 May 2027 |
| May Half Term | Holiday | Holiday |
| Summer Term (cont.) | Monday 7 June 2027 | Thursday 22 July 2027 |
| Summer Holiday | Begins | Friday 23 July 2027 |
Read More: Midlothian School Holidays
Manchester School Holidays 2027/2028
*Note: Dates for 2027/2028 are projected based on typical patterns and will be confirmed by the Manchester City Council closer to the time.*
| Term / Holiday Period | Projected Start Date | Projected End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term 2027 | Early September 2027 | Late October 2027 |
| Christmas Holiday | Late December 2027 | Early January 2028 |
| Spring Term 2028 | Early January 2028 | Mid-February 2028 |
| February Half Term | Mid-February 2028 | Late February 2028 |
| Easter Holiday | Late March 2028 | Mid-April 2028 |
| Summer Term 2028 | Mid-April 2028 | Late May 2028 |
| May Half Term | Late May 2028 | Early June 2028 |
| Summer Holiday | Begins | Late July 2028 |
Key Bank Holidays Affecting School Closures
Bank holiday closures are fixed days when all schools are shut. Key dates to note in your school schedule include:
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Early May Bank Holiday:Â Monday 4 May 2026 & Monday 3 May 2027.
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Spring Bank Holiday:Â Monday 25 May 2026 & Monday 31 May 2027.
Always factor these into your childcare planning, as they are universal school closure dates.
How to Find Your School’s Exact Term Dates
Due to school holiday variations (especially for voluntary-aided schools and foundation schools), the golden rule is to contact the school directly. Visit your school’s website or the Manchester City Council school info page for the most accurate individual school dates.
Planning Ahead: Manchester School Holiday Planner
Transform your planning for parents from chaotic to calm. Download our free school holiday planner to map out all Manchester school breaks, inset days, and personal commitments in one visual academic calendar. It’s the ultimate tool for mastering your Manchester school year.
Also Read: Fife School Holidays
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FAQs
Q1. When do Manchester schools break up for summer 2026?
They broke up on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. The summer holiday then begins on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.
Q2. What are the Manchester half-term dates for 2026?
The February school half-term is from Monday, 16 February, to Friday, 20 February, 2026. The May half-term is from Monday, 25 May, to Friday, 29 May 2026.
Q3. Are the academy term dates in Manchester different?
Yes, they can be. Academies set their own academy term dates, so their school holidays may differ from the Manchester City Council calendar.
Q4. When is the Easter holiday in 2026 for Manchester schools?
The Easter holiday runs from Friday, 3 April 2026, until Monday, 20 April 2026, when schools reopen.
Staying informed on Manchester school holidays is the first step to a organised year. While this guide provides the official local authority dates framework, always double-check with your child’s school for final confirmation of any school holiday exceptions.
Official Resources:
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For the latest updates, visit the Manchester City Council website.
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For national guidance, see the UK Government education pages.
Bookmark this page and download your free holiday planner to effortlessly track all key dates for the coming academic year
