As we move into another school year, many families across the UK are already looking ahead and planning their time together.
Whether it’s a coastal escape in summer, warm Christmas evenings at home, or a quick half-term adventure, understanding the UK school holidays 2025 is essential.
This guide provides everything you need to know—clearly laid out, region by region—so you can plan ahead with confidence, ease, and excitement.
UK School Holidays 2025–26
Looking for the official UK school holidays 2025–26? This complete calendar covers all school term dates and holiday breaks across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Whether you’re planning family trips, managing childcare, or just staying ahead, our region-by-region breakdown includes autumn, spring, and summer terms, plus half-term and bank holidays.
England
Perfect for parents, teachers, and holidaymakers alike. In most local authorities across England and Wales, term dates follow a similar pattern. However, always check with your individual school or council for confirmed local variations.
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
| Autumn Term | Mon 1 Sep 2025 | Fri 19 Dec 2025 (varies) |
| Half-Term Break | Mon 27 Oct 2025 | Fri 31 Oct 2025 |
| Christmas Holidays | Mon 22 Dec 2025 | Fri 2 Jan 2026 |
| Spring Term | Mon 5 Jan 2026 | Fri 27 Mar 2026 |
| Half-Term Break | Mon 16 Feb 2026 | Fri 20 Feb 2026 |
| Easter Holidays | Mon 30 Mar 2026 | Fri 10 Apr 2026 |
| Summer Term | Mon 13 Apr 2026 | Wed 22 Jul 2026 (varies) |
| Half-Term Break | Mon 25 May 2026 | Fri 29 May 2026 |
| Summer Holidays | From Thu 23 Jul 2026 | Early Sept 2026 |
These dates cover most of England and Wales, with a few local adjustments depending on the area. Parents are encouraged to check school websites for INSET days or teacher training days.
Wales
Welsh schools follow a similar calendar to England, with standardised term times:
| Term | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Mon 1 Sep 2025 | Fri 19 Dec 2025 |
| Half-Term (Autumn) | Mon 27 Oct 2025 | Fri 31 Oct 2025 |
| Spring Term | Mon 5 Jan 2026 | Fri 27 Mar 2026 |
| Half-Term (Spring) | Mon 16 Feb 2026 | Fri 20 Feb 2026 |
| Summer Term | Mon 13 Apr 2026 | Mon 20 Jul 2026 |
| Half-Term (Summer) | Mon 25 May 2026 | Fri 29 May 2026 |
Welsh families will be glad to know that holiday patterns remain consistent, making it easier to plan breaks around public holidays and long weekends.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s school calendar differs slightly, with fewer but more spaced-out holidays. Notable breaks include:
| Break/Term | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Mon 1 Sep 2025 | Fri 19 Dec 2025 | Term start |
| Halloween Break | Thu 30 Oct 2025 | Fri 31 Oct 2025 | 2-day mid-term |
| Christmas Holidays | Mon 22 Dec 2025 | Fri 2 Jan 2026 | 2-week winter break |
| Spring Term | Mon 5 Jan 2026 | Fri 27 Mar 2026 | |
| February Half-Term | Thu 12 Feb 2026 | Fri 13 Feb 2026 | Short break |
| St Patrick’s Day | Tue 17 Mar 2026 | Public holiday | One-day closure |
| Easter Holidays | Thu 2 Apr 2026 | Fri 10 Apr 2026 | Includes Easter weekend |
| Summer Term | Mon 13 Apr 2026 | Mon 30 Jun 2026 | Term ends early |
| Summer Holidays | From Wed 1 Jul 2026 | Aug/Sept 2026 | Long summer break |
This early start to the summer break in July gives families in Northern Ireland more flexibility for summer travel and activities.
Scotland
Scottish schools operate slightly differently from the rest of the UK, with earlier summer holidays and different half-term patterns.
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Mid-August 2025 | Fri 19 Dec 2025 | Varies by council |
| October Break | Mid-Oct (e.g. 13–24) | 1-week break (varies) | Half-term |
| Christmas Holidays | Mon 22 Dec 2025 | Mon 5 Jan 2026 | |
| Spring Term | Tue 6 Jan 2026 | Thu 2 Apr 2026 | |
| February Break | Mid-February 2026 | Often 2–3 days | Varies by authority |
| Easter Holidays | Fri 3 Apr 2026 | Fri 17 Apr 2026 | Includes Good Friday & Monday |
| Summer Term | Mon 20 Apr 2026 | Early July 2026 | Summer holidays start early |
Scottish families enjoy longer summer breaks and often an earlier finish in the academic year, which works well for booking holidays at off-peak prices.
Why It Matters for Families
Planning around the UK school holidays 2025 is more than just a calendar exercise—it’s a way to create lasting memories.
Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend trip, a beachside getaway, or simply family time without screens and stress, knowing when the breaks fall allows parents to organise their lives with more clarity and confidence.
So, mark your diaries, book those trips early, and enjoy every moment of freedom these holidays bring. Because childhood isn’t forever—and the best memories are made when the whole family is together.
For exact local authority dates and teacher training days, always refer to your local council or school’s term calendar.
