Planning your family’s year starts with the academic calendar. Here at Calendar Times UK, we’ve compiled the official West Lothian school holidays and term dates for 2025-2026, as published by West Lothian Council. Whether you’re looking for West Lothian Christmas holidays 2025 or the West Lothian Easter break 2026, this guide covers everything from pupil return dates to staff in-service days, helping you master your family holiday planning.
Official West Lothian School Holidays & Term Dates
The following dates are based on the standard local council school dates set by West Lothian Council for community schools. Always confirm with your specific school for absolute certainty.
West Lothian School Holidays 2025-2026
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term 2025 | Wednesday 13 August 2025 | Friday 19 December 2025 | Includes the October half-term |
| Spring Term 2026 | Monday 5 January 2026 | Friday 27 March 2026 | Includes the February half-term |
| Summer Term 2026 | Tuesday 14 April 2026 | Friday 26 June 2026 | Includes the May holiday |
Detailed Month-by-Month Breakdown of Term Dates and Holidays
Autumn Term 2025 Start of West Lothian Christmas Holidays
The 2025-2026 academic year begins for teachers with staff in-service days on Monday, 11th, and Tuesday, 12th August 2025. Pupils return on Wednesday, 13th August 2025, marking the start of the West Lothian autumn term dates 2025.
The October half-term break runs from Monday, 13th October, to Friday, 17th October, 2025. Schools then return until the West Lothian Christmas holidays 2025 begin. Schools close on Friday, 19th December 2025, and reopen on Monday, 5th January 2026.
Read More: Glasgow School Holidays
Spring Term 2026 and West Lothian Easter Break 2026
After the New Year, the spring term continues until the West Lothian February half-term 2026 break, which is from Monday, 16th February, to Friday, 20th February, 2026.
Pupils return for the second half of the term until the West Lothian Easter break in 2026. Schools will close on Friday, 27th March 2026, and reopen after the Easter holidays on Tuesday, 14th April 2026 (Monday, 13th April, is a potential in-service day).
Summer Term 2026 and End-of-Term Dates
The summer term begins on Tuesday, 14th April. The next break is the West Lothian May holiday 2026, which falls on Monday, 4th May (a public holiday), and is often part of a longer weekend or break. The May half-term holiday is from Monday, 25th May, to Friday, 29th May, 2026.
Pupils return for one final half-term until the end-of-term dates in June. The last day of school for summer 2026 is Friday, 26th June 2026.
Please check the official West Lothian Council website for updates.
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Key Dates for Specific West Lothian Schools
Bathgate Academy Holiday Dates 2025/26
Bathgate Academy follows the standard West Lothian Council school holidays. Therefore, the key Bathgate Academy holiday dates for 2026 align with the table above. The summer break begins on Friday, 26th June 2026.
Linlithgow Academy School Holidays 2025/26
Similarly, Linlithgow Academy school holidays are set by the local authority. The Linlithgow holidays will match the council’s schedule, with the summer break starting on Friday, 26th June 2026.
Important Staff In-Service Days
Staff in-service days are crucial for planning, as pupils do not attend school. The confirmed dates for 2025-2026 are:
- Monday 11 August 2025
- Tuesday 12 August 2025
- Monday 13 April 2026 (anticipated)
Also Read: South Ayrshire School Holidays
Important Notes for Parents and Carers
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Always Confirm: This calendar is a guide for community schools. Always check your school’s website or communications for any slight variations, especially for pupil return dates.
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Public Holidays: Schools are closed on national public holidays like May Day (4th May 2026).
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Planning: Use this holiday schedule to book trips and childcare well in advance, keeping in-service days in mind.
Planning: Family Activities in West Lothian During School Holidays
Wondering about things to do during the school holidays in West Lothian? You’re spoiled for choice!
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Spring Break:Â Explore the history of Linlithgow Palace or enjoy a walk around Beecraigs Country Park.
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Summer Holidays:Â Visit the Five Sisters Zoo, spend a day at M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park, or explore the Almond Valley Heritage Centre.
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October Break:Â Enjoy autumn trails and pumpkin picking at local farms.
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Christmas Holidays:Â Experience festive lights and markets in towns like Livingston and Bathgate.
FAQs
Q1: When do West Lothian schools go back in August 2025?
A: Pupils return to school on Wednesday, 13th August 2025.
Q2: Are the term dates the same for primary and secondary schools?
A: Yes, the West Lothian primary school holidays and West Lothian secondary school term dates are generally the same across all council-run schools.
Q3: What is the last day of school in 2026?
A: The last day of school for summer 2026 is Friday, 26th June 2026.
We hope this complete guide to the West Lothian school holidays 2025/26 makes your family holiday planning smooth and stress-free. Explore our helpful daily planner templates to organize your busy term-time schedule!
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