When Are the Main School Holidays in the UK?

Understanding the school holidays in the UK can be a bit of a challenge. These holidays aren't set in stone and can vary significantly depending on the region within the UK - England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland – as well as the specific school or local authority. Additionally, there might be unexpected Inset days throughout the year, which can crop up with little notice.

Overview of School Holidays

In the UK, the main school holidays generally follow a specific pattern, but these dates can fluctuate based on regional and local variations. Here’s an overview of the main holiday periods:

Autumn Half Term: Typically one week at the end of October. Christmas Holidays: Two weeks, usually from late December to early January. Spring Half Term: One week in mid-February. Easter Holidays: Generally two weeks, starting in late March or early April, depending on the exact date of Easter. Summer Holidays: About six weeks, usually starting in late July and ending in early September.

Again, it’s important to note that specific dates can vary. Always check with individual schools or local authorities for the most precise information.

Per Year Term Times

The term times for schools across the UK can also vary, sometimes differing by a week or two. However, here’s a broader overview of the term dates for the past few academic years:

Academic Year 2018-2019 Term Times

Autumn Term 2018:

3 September 2018 to 19 October 2018 29 October 2018 to 21 December 2018

Spring Term 2019:

7 January 2019 to 15 February 2019 25 February 2019 to 5 April 2019

Summer Term 2019:

23 April 2019 to 24 May 2019 (including bank holiday on 6 May) 3 June 2019 to 23 July 2019

Academic Year 2019-2020 Term Times

Autumn Term 2019:

4 September 2019 to 25 October 2019 4 November 2019 to 18 December 2019

Spring Term 2020:

6 January 2020 to 14 February 2020 24 February 2020 to 3 April 2020

Summer Term 2020:

20 April 2020 to 22 May 2020 (including bank holiday on 8 May) 1 June 2020 to 22 July 2020

Academic Year 2020-2021 Term Times

Autumn Term 2020:

2 September 2020 to 23 October 2020 2 November 2020 to 18 December 2020

Spring Term 2021:

4 January 2021 to 12 February 2021 22 February 2021 to 31 March 2021

Summer Term 2021:

19 April 2021 to 28 May 2021 (including bank holiday on 3 May) 7 June 2021 to 23 July 2021

These dates can be quite important for parents and students planning their schedules, as well as for businesses and other services that cater to the needs of the community during holidays.

Conclusion

While the UK school holiday system can be quite chaotic, understanding the main dates and variations can help ease some of the confusion. Be sure to check the specific dates for your region and school to ensure smooth coordination for your family or organization.