Scotland School Holidays and Term Dates 2025/26

Planning your family’s schedule around the Scotland school holidays can feel like a puzzle. Here at Calendar Times UK, we’ve compiled the official school term dates 2025-26 Scotland and 2026-27 in one easy-to-read guide. We cover everything from the October holiday 2025 Scotland and February half-term 2026 Scotland to specific local authority dates for regions like the Scottish Borders. Let’s dive into the complete academic calendar for Scotland for the coming years.

Official Scotland School Holidays, Term and Closure Dates

This section breaks down the key school closure dates, pupil resume dates, and staff resume dates for the next two academic years, giving you a clear view of the Autumn, Winter/Spring, and Summer terms in Scotland.

Scotland School Holidays 2025-2026

Autumn Term Scotland

• Start: Staff return for in-service days on Monday, August 18 & Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Pupils resume on Wednesday, 20 August 2025.

• October Holiday: Monday 13 to Friday 17 October 2025.

• St Andrew’s Day: Schools closed Monday, 1 December 2025.

• End: The last day of term is Friday, 19 December 2025.

• Christmas Holidays Scotland: Monday 22 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026.

Winter/Spring Term Scotland

• Start: The first day of term for all is Monday, 5 January 2026.

• February Half-Term: The last day of term for pupils is Friday 13 February 2026. The mid-term break runs Monday 16 – Friday 20 February 2026.

• End: The last day of the term is Thursday, 2 April 2026, for all.

• Easter Holidays Scotland: Friday 3 to Friday 17 April 2026.

Summer Term Scotland

• Start: The term starts Monday, 20 April 2026.

• May Day Holiday: Schools closed Monday, 4 May 2026.

• End: The final day of term is Thursday, 2 July 2026.

Read More: Edinburgh School Holidays

Scotland School Holidays 2026-2027

Autumn Term Scotland

• Start: In-service days are Monday, 17 & Tuesday, 18 August 2026. Pupils resume on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.

• October Holiday: Monday 12 to Friday 16 October 2026.

• St. Andrew’s Day: School closure on Monday, 30 November 2026.

• End: The last day of the term is Tuesday, 22 December 2026.

• Christmas Holidays Scotland: Wednesday 23 December 2026 to Tuesday 5 January 2027.

Winter/Spring Term Scotland

• Start: All resumes on Wednesday, 6 January 2027.

• February Half-Term: The last day of term is Friday, 5 February 2027. The holiday runs Monday, 8 February – Friday, 12 February 2027.

• Good Friday: School closure on Friday, 26 March 2027.

• End: The last day of the term is Friday, 2 April 2027.

• Easter Holidays Scotland: Monday 5 to Friday 16 April 2027.

Summer Term Scotland

• Start: All resumes Monday, 19 April 2027.

• May Day Holiday: Schools closed Monday, 3 May 2027.

• End: The final day of term is Thursday, 1 July 2027.

Local Authority Holiday Dates: Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders region operates a unique system of cluster holidays, also known as casual holidays. These are extra days off, often aligned with local festivals, that vary by town. It’s a key detail for anyone checking local authority dates.

• Berwickshire School Holidays: Casual holiday on Monday 25 May 2026 & Monday 24 May 2027.

• Galashiels School Holidays: Casual holiday on Monday 1 June 2026.

• Hawick School Holidays: Common Riding Friday on 5 June 2026 & in 2027.

• Jedburgh School Holidays & Kelso School Holidays: Casual holiday on Tuesday 2 December 2025 and Tuesday 1 December 2026.

• Selkirk School Holidays: Common Riding Friday on 12 June 2026 & in 2027.

• Earlston, Eyemouth, Peebles, and Tweeddale School Holidays: Also have a casual holiday on the dates listed above for Jedburgh and Kelso.

Public & Local Holiday Closures in Scotland

Beyond the main breaks, the school terms in Scotland include several single-day closures. The May Day holiday and St. Andrew’s Day school closure are nationally observed. Additionally, the Common Riding holiday in towns like Hawick and Selkirk and various casual holidays specific to clusters are important to note for accurate planning of your school breaks in Scotland.

Key Dates for Parents & Staff

• In-Service Days: These are staff training days when pupils do not attend. They typically bookend the holidays, so always check the specific pupil’s resume dates.

• Pupil Resume Dates: This is the date children are back in the classroom after a break. It’s often a day after a staff in-service day.

• First and Last Day of Term: These are the official start and end dates for each term, but note that pupils often finish a day earlier than staff before longer holidays.

Also Read: Aberdeen School Holidays

FAQs

Q1. When do Scottish schools go back in 2026?

For the 2026-27 academic year, Scottish schools go back on a staggered schedule. Staff resume on Monday, 17 August 2026, and pupils return on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.

Q2. When is the February half-term in Scotland?

The February half-term in Scotland typically falls in mid-February. For example, in 2026 it is 16-20 February, and in 2027 it is 8-12 February.

Q3. How long are the Easter holidays in Scotland?

Easter holidays in Scotland are typically two weeks long. For instance, in 2026 they run from 3-17 April, and in 2027 from 5-16 April.

Q4. What are casual holidays?

Casual holidays are extra days off allocated to specific school clusters in regions like the Scottish Borders. They are often aligned with local festivals and vary from town to town.

We hope this guide from Calendar Times UK on Scotland school holidays has been helpful for your planning. Remember, while this guide provides a comprehensive overview of school holidays in Scotland, including key dates for the Scottish Borders, it’s always best to double-check with your local school’s calendar for the most precise information.

For the most authoritative source, please visit the official GOV.UK website or your local council’s page. And for more helpful guides on Moray School Holidays, Dundee School Holidays, and other UK School Holidays, be sure to explore the rest of Calendar Times UK.