Find UK School Term Dates by Council
School term dates are not the same across the UK. Dates vary by local authority, nation, school type and individual school. This page explains how UK school term dates usually work and helps you find the correct official source for your local area.
Check your local school term dates
For exact dates, always check your local council or your child's school website.
How term dates are set across the UK
England
Term dates are set individually by each local authority for community and voluntary-controlled schools. Academies, free schools and private (independent) schools set their own dates, which can differ from the local authority calendar even in the same town.
Confirm dates locally — this is general guidance only
Scotland
Term dates are set by each of the 32 local councils, not centrally. Scottish term dates usually differ noticeably from England and Wales, including an earlier start to the summer holidays.
Confirm dates locally — this is general guidance only
Wales
Term dates follow broad Welsh Government guidance, but exact start and end dates are confirmed by each local authority, so they still vary by area.
Confirm dates locally — this is general guidance only
Northern Ireland
Schools set dates within Education Authority guidance. Start and end dates can vary between individual schools, not just between council areas.
Confirm dates locally — this is general guidance only
Typical term and holiday periods
These are general examples to illustrate the usual pattern of the school year. They are not official dates and will not match every council or school — use the GOV.UK link above to find your exact dates.
Typically early September to mid/late December.
Typically early January to late March or early April.
Typically mid/late April to mid/late July.
One week around late October, mid February and late May/June.
Around two weeks over late December into early January.
Around two weeks in late March or April, timing linked to Easter.
Around six weeks over late July and August (shorter and earlier in Scotland).
Frequently asked questions
Are school term dates the same across the UK?
No. There is no single UK-wide school calendar. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each set their own approach, and within England term dates are set locally rather than nationally.
Why do school term dates vary?
Education is devolved, so each nation sets its own framework. Within that, local authorities, academy trusts, free schools and private schools each have the power to set their own term and holiday dates for their area or school.
How do I find my local school term dates?
The most reliable source is your local council or education authority website, or your individual school's own website — both publish confirmed, official dates for the current and upcoming school year.
Do academies and private schools use different term dates?
Often, yes. Academies, free schools and private (independent) schools are not required to follow their local authority's calendar, so it is worth checking your specific school's website even if you know your council's dates.
Do Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland follow the same school holidays as England?
No. Each nation sets its own term dates independently. Scotland in particular tends to start the summer holidays earlier than England, and Wales and Northern Ireland can also differ from England and from each other.
Dates and times are provided as a helpful guide. Always check final arrangements with your school, college, exam board, UCAS or local authority where relevant.