Understanding the UK school calendar is essential for families—whether you're relocating, considering a UK boarding school, or simply planning ahead for childcare and holidays. The academic year in the UK is divided into three main terms, each with key breaks that vary slightly by region and school type. In this guide, we outline how the UK school system is structured, highlight official resources, and offer practical planning tips—especially useful for international families and those preparing for boarding or specialist school enrolment.
UK School Year Overview
The typical UK school year runs for 190 days, split into three terms:
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Autumn Term: Early September to mid-December
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Half-Term: Late October (1 week)
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Christmas Holidays: Around 2 weeks
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Spring Term: Early January to late March or early April
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Half-Term: Mid-February (1 week)
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Easter Holidays: Around 2 weeks
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Summer Term: Mid-April to mid or late July
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Half-Term: Late May (1 week)
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Summer Holidays: Around 6 weeks
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These dates apply to most state schools, but independent schools and academies may vary.
Regional Variations in Term Dates
While term structure is broadly consistent, dates can differ across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—and even between local councils.
Key points:
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State schools follow local council calendars
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Academies and free schools can set their own dates but often align with local norms
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Independent and boarding schools usually operate on longer holiday cycles with different half-terms and end-of-term dates
You can view your local authority’s official term dates on the UK government site:
Find your local term dates
Why Holiday Dates Matter for School Planning
For families considering specialist education like football boarding schools, aligning with UK school holidays helps with:
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Travel and relocation timing
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Visa planning and guardianship arrangements
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Trial and induction dates
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Holiday camps, development weeks, and mentorship opportunities
Families often plan international travel during the longer Christmas and Summer breaks, while half-terms are ideal for short-term visits or training blocks.
Holiday Planning Tips for Parents
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Check the School Calendar – Confirm exact term dates directly with your child’s school or local authority
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Avoid Term-Time Absence – UK schools rarely allow leave during term without permission. Penalties can apply
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Book in Advance – Flights and hotels become expensive during school breaks. Early booking saves money
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Use Holiday Programmes – Many UK regions offer official half-term and summer activity programmes. These are great for skill development and childcare
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Stay Visa-Aware (for international students) – Make sure term start and end dates align with visa requirements and any additional sponsor paperwork
Example: School Holiday Dates (England 2025–2026)
| Holiday | Approximate Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half-Term | 27–31 October 2025 |
| Christmas Break | 22 December 2025 – 2 January 2026 |
| Spring Half-Term | 16–20 February 2026 |
| Easter Holidays | 30 March – 10 April 2026 |
| Summer Half-Term | 25–29 May 2026 |
| Summer Holidays | 23 July – 31 August 2026 |
These are illustrative only—please check your local authority dates here.
Will the School Calendar Change?
The UK has ongoing discussions about school term reform, including proposals to shorten the summer holidays and distribute breaks more evenly to support learning and family balance. While no nationwide change has been implemented, it’s an area families may wish to monitor.
Conclusion
Being aware of school holiday dates helps families better plan for everything from travel to educational progression. Whether you're already in the UK or planning to enrol in a boarding school or specialist programme, using official term dates ensures you're organised and aligned with school expectations.
At Prestige Football Schools, we help manage every step of the journey—from school placement to term date planning, visa timelines, and boarding logistics—ensuring a smooth transition into UK school life.
