All year groups · Term dates

Term dates and school holidays

Your council publishes the term and holiday dates for its area, and many schools follow them. Here's where to find the right dates and how to plan around them.

  • Council publishes the term dates for its area
  • Postcode enter it on GOV.UK to find your council
  • Ahead plan holidays once the dates are published

What you need to know

  1. Dates come from your council. Each council publishes its term, half-term and holiday dates. Some schools, such as academies and free schools, can set their own, so check the school's website too.
  2. Find your council first. Enter your postcode on GOV.UK to find your local council, then open its website for the school year you need.
  3. Dates can differ. Two schools a few miles apart may have different holidays. Use the dates for your child's own school, not the ones your friends have.
  4. Holidays are for school breaks. Taking your child out during term time is usually not allowed. See our guide to school attendance.

What to do, step by step

Save the calendar

Add the term dates to your phone as soon as they are published, well before the school year starts.

Check for other closure days

Some days when children are not in school are set by the school, not the council. Ask if you are not sure.

Plan childcare early

Half terms and holidays are often when families need extra help, so start looking early.

Questions parents ask

Where do I find the dates for my child's school?

Search your council's website for school term dates, or ask the school. Academies may publish their own.

We've just moved and the dates are different from our old country. Which should we follow?

Follow the English dates for the school your child attends.

Source: GOV.UK, school term and holiday dates
Last checked against GOV.UK: