School Terms, Hours and Holidays

These notes refer to mainstream UK State schools. Many Independent schools have slightly longer holidays.

International Schools often have different hours, and holiday dates may be at completely different times of the year. Many also observe non-UK national holidays (e.g. Thanksgiving). Check with us if you need particular information.

School hours vary from school to school, but are usually from 09.00 to 15.30 or 16.00 with a 1 hour lunch break at 12.00.

School days are Monday to Friday. Many senior schools will play sports on a Saturday morning.

The school year is from September to middle of July and is currently divided into three terms. There is a 5 or 6 week break between school years.

Autumn Term	1st week of September to 1 week before Christmas
Spring Term	1st week of January to Easter
Summer Term	2 weeks after Easter to 3rd week of July

There is a one week break approximately half way through each term.

The three term year may be changed to a four term year some time in the future.

School Term Dates

(provided by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES))

Click here for the term dates provided by the DfES as a guide to schools and Local Education Authorities (LEAs). The school or LEA may have slight variations, particularly on the half term dates. Check with your school.

UK Public Holidays

Click here for the dates of the UK public holidays. Schools will be closed on these dates.

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