When Is Half Term 2026 – UK February, May and October Dates

Parents and carers across the United Kingdom often search for the same simple question: when is half term? The answer, however, is not a single date. School holidays in the UK are set locally, which means February, May and October half-term weeks can shift depending on where you live. For 2026, a common pattern has emerged for many English schools, but Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland follow different timetables.

The UK government advises checking your local council’s calendar for exact dates. While national roundups offer a useful guide, they cannot replace the official term dates published by each local authority or school. This article brings together the most frequently cited half-term dates for 2026, explains why they vary, and points you to the official sources you need.

When is February half term 2026?

For most schools in England and Wales, the February half-term break in 2026 falls in the week beginning Monday 16 February. The most commonly listed dates run from 16 February to Friday 20 February 2026, giving pupils a full week off.

• Half term breaks in the UK last one week (Monday to Friday) and split the school terms.
• The three main half terms are February (Spring), May (Summer), and October (Autumn) – but exact weeks vary by region.
• In 2026, the most common February half term week is 16–20 February; May half term is 25–29 May; October half term is 26–30 October.
• Date variations exist because each local authority sets its own term dates, subject to guidance from national education departments.
• Many schools also schedule teacher training days immediately before or after half term, which can affect the actual break length for students.

When is May half term 2026?

The May half-term break in 2026 is widely scheduled for the week starting Monday 25 May, running through Friday 29 May. This break falls later in the spring term and is sometimes called the “spring bank holiday” half term because it often coincides with the late May bank holiday.

How common is this date across the UK?

In England, most local authorities follow the 25–29 May pattern. Scotland may align closely, though some Scottish councils show a similar week. Northern Ireland, by contrast, lists a different half-term structure, with a shorter mid-term break in February rather than a full week in May. For Wales, the May half term often matches England, though the Welsh Government encourages checking individual council pages.

When is October half term 2026?

The October half term, also known as the autumn half term, is typically scheduled for the week of Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026. This break is a consistent feature of the autumn term across all four UK nations, though the exact week can shift by up to one week in some areas.

How long is the October half term?

Like the other half terms, the October break lasts one week. Some schools may add inset days before or after, extending the time off for students, but the core break remains a single week. In Scotland, the autumn half term often falls earlier, with some sources listing 12–16 October 2026.

What are the UK school holidays for 2026?

Beyond half terms, the full school holiday calendar for 2026 includes the summer break, Easter holidays, and the Christmas closure. While half terms are fixed one-week breaks, the summer holidays vary significantly by nation.

• England summer holidays: around 22 July to 31 August 2026
• Scotland summer holidays: around 29 June to 19 August 2026
• Northern Ireland summer holidays: around 1 July to 31 August 2026

GCSE exams typically run from early May to mid-June 2026, meaning students may still be in school during the early summer weeks. The summer break for GCSE candidates begins only after the school year officially ends, which is usually in late July for England.

When do schools break up for summer 2026?

The summer break start date depends on the nation and local authority. For England, the last day of the summer term is commonly 22 July 2026, with students returning in early September. In Scotland, the summer holiday begins around 29 June, while Northern Ireland schools often break up on 1 July. These dates are indicative; the exact start of the summer holiday varies by council.

1. 6 January 2026 – Spring term begins
2. 16–20 February 2026 – February half term
3. 27 March 2026 – Spring term ends
4. 14 April 2026 – Summer term begins
5. 4 May 2026 – May Day bank holiday (school closed)
6. 25–29 May 2026 – May half term
7. 22 July 2026 – Summer term ends (school year ends in England)
8. September 2026 – Autumn term begins (2026/27 year)
9. 26–30 October 2026 – October half term
10. December 2026 – Christmas holidays begin

Why do half term dates vary across the UK?

The UK does not use a single school holiday calendar. The Department for Education sets guidelines, but local authorities in England are responsible for setting term dates for community and voluntary-controlled schools. Academies and free schools can set their own dates, though many align with the local authority.

Wales operates a similar system but often uses a six-term structure, which can shift half terms slightly. Scotland’s academic year is distinct, with term dates determined by each council. Northern Ireland follows yet another pattern, with shorter half-term breaks and a longer summer holiday starting in July.

What is the typical UK school year pattern?

The standard school year in the UK is divided into three terms: autumn, spring, and summer. Autumn term runs from early September to mid-December, with an October half term. Spring term goes from early January to late March or early April, featuring a February half term and an Easter break. Summer term extends from mid-April to mid-July, with a May half term and the long summer holiday at the end. The entire school year lasts about 190 days for pupils.

Where can I find official half term dates for my area?

The most reliable way to check half term dates is through the GOV.UK postcode lookup tool, which redirects to your local council’s page. Many councils also publish term dates on their own websites, as seen with Norfolk County Council and Derbyshire County Council. For Wales, the GOV.WALES portal provides links to each local authority’s schedule. In Northern Ireland, the Department of Education website publishes a list of holiday dates.

“School term and holiday dates are set by your local council. You can find the exact dates for your area by entering your postcode on the GOV.UK website.”

– GOV.UK School term and holiday dates

For a quick overview, the websites Holiday Extras, eParenting, and icelolly summarise commonly used half-term weeks, but these should always be cross-checked against official sources.

When is half term 2026? A quick overview

If you need a rough guide for planning, the most widely used half-term dates for 2026 are: February half term 16–20 February, May half term 25–29 May, and October half term 26–30 October. Always confirm with your local authority or school for the exact dates. For more on managing school breaks, read our guide on Cheap All Inclusive Holidays 2025 – Best Deals and Savings.

Frequently asked questions about half term 2026

For more seasonal events, check the London to Brighton Bike Ride 2025 – Dates Route Registration Guide.