School holidays in the United Kingdom

The October half term is under way in part of the country, until Sunday 1 November at the latest.

All school holidays in the United Kingdom: the next break coming up and the dates by region and school year.

Next school holiday

October half term

5 Oct – 1 Nov 2026 (varies by region)

Holidays in the 2026-2027 school year

Dates are taken from official publications. Schools may have additional days off, so check with your school if in doubt.

Sources: Official source (north-ayrshire.gov.uk), Official source (Falkirk), Official source (East Lothian), Official source (Midlothian) and 167 more. Last checked: 4 October 2026. More about our sources

School holidays in other countries

We also track school holidays in 9 other countries. Here you can see which holiday comes next in each one and when the 2026 summer holidays fall.

  • AustriaNext: Herbstferien, 27 – 31 Oct 2026Summer holidays 2026: 4 Jul – 13 Sept 2026 (varies by region)
  • BelgiumNext: Herfstvakantie, 19 Oct – 8 Nov 2026 (varies by region)Summer holidays 2026: 1 Jul – 31 Aug 2026 (varies by region)
  • DenmarkUnder way: Efterårsferie, until Sunday 18 OctoberSummer holidays 2026: 27 Jun – 12 Aug 2026 (varies by region)
  • FranceUnder way: Vacances de la Toussaint, until Monday 2 NovemberSummer holidays 2026: 3 Jul – 2 Sept 2026 (varies by region)
  • GermanyUnder way: Herbstferien, until Friday 6 NovemberSummer holidays 2026: 29 Jun – 14 Sept 2026 (varies by region)
  • NetherlandsUnder way: Herfstvakantie, until Sunday 25 OctoberSummer holidays 2026: 4 Jul – 30 Aug 2026 (varies by region)
  • SwedenUnder way: Höstlov, until Sunday 1 November
  • SwitzerlandUnder way: Herbstferien, until Sunday 8 NovemberSummer holidays 2026: 18 Jun – 30 Aug 2026 (varies by region)
  • United StatesUnder way: Fall break, until Friday 23 October

Who sets the school holidays in the UK?

There is no single national school calendar in the UK. In England and Wales, the local council (the local authority) sets the term dates for community and voluntary-controlled schools. Academies, free schools, foundation schools and voluntary-aided schools can set their own dates, although many follow the council's pattern. In Scotland, each council sets the holidays for its schools, and in Northern Ireland schools set their own dates within a framework from the Department of Education.

That's why this site shows the school holidays per council. Always check the dates with your child's school as well, especially if it's an academy or an independent school, as these may differ from the council's calendar.

The school year in England and Wales

The school year runs from September to July and is divided into three terms: autumn, spring and summer. Each term has a half-term break of about a week in the middle: the October half term, the February half term and the May half term. Between the terms come the Christmas holidays, the Easter holidays and the long summer holidays of around six weeks.

In England, maintained schools must be open to pupils for 190 days a year. Schools also have a few INSET days, teacher training days on which pupils stay at home. Each school chooses its own INSET days, so they are not always shown in the council's calendar.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

Scotland follows a different rhythm. Schools break up for summer in late June or early July and go back in mid-August. There is an October break of one or two weeks, a short mid-term break in February and a spring holiday of about two weeks around Easter. Dates vary between councils.

In Northern Ireland, the summer holidays usually cover the whole of July and August. Schools have a Halloween break at the end of October, a Christmas break, a short mid-term break in February and an Easter break, with the exact dates set by each school.

Planning a holiday in the school holidays

Prices for flights and package holidays often go up during the school holidays, especially in the summer and at half term. Because dates differ between councils and nations, it can pay to compare: Scottish schools break up weeks earlier than English ones, so the busiest weeks are not the same everywhere.

Taking children out of school during term time requires permission from the head teacher. In England this is normally only granted in exceptional circumstances, and councils can fine parents for unauthorised absence.

Frequently asked questions

When is the next school holiday?

The next school holiday is the October half term, starting Monday, 5 October 2026.

Who decides the school holiday dates?

In England and Wales, the local council sets term dates for community and voluntary-controlled schools, while academies, free schools, foundation and voluntary-aided schools set their own. In Scotland the council decides; in Northern Ireland each school sets its dates within limits set by the Department of Education.

Are school holidays the same across the UK?

No. Dates differ between councils, and the pattern differs between nations: Scottish schools break up for summer in late June or early July and return in August, while schools in England and Wales usually break up in late July.

How long are the summer holidays?

In England and Wales usually around six weeks, from late July to early September. In Scotland about seven weeks, from late June or early July to mid-August, and in Northern Ireland most of July and August.

Can I take my child on holiday during term time?

Only with the head teacher's permission, which in England is normally given only in exceptional circumstances. Unauthorised absence can lead to a fine from the council.