Unitary CouncilSouth WestONS: E06000058
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council School Holidays & Term Dates 2026–2027
In BCP, the 2026 Autumn term begins on Wednesday 2 September 2026. The Autumn Half Term is from Monday 26 October 2026 to Friday 30 October 2026, and the Christmas break starts on Monday 21 December 2026.
Verified Official Council SourceDirect provenance checked against Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council official publication.
Last verified: 2026-10-26ONS: E06000058
Academies, foundation, free and voluntary-aided schools in BCP determine their own term and holiday dates independently. Always confirm specific INSET days with your individual school.
Academic Year 2026–2027 Term Dates
Official calendar for community and voluntary-controlled schools in BCP.
| Term / Holiday Break | Dates | Timing |
|---|---|---|
Autumn Term StartsTerm Start | Wednesday 2 September 2026 | Past |
Autumn Half TermHalf Term Break | Monday 26 October 2026toFriday 30 October 2026 | Today! |
Christmas HolidayMain School Break | Monday 21 December 2026toFriday 1 January 2027 | In 56 days |
Spring Term StartsTerm Start | Monday 4 January 2027 | In 70 days |
Spring Half TermHalf Term Break | Monday 15 February 2027toFriday 19 February 2027 | In 112 days |
Easter HolidayMain School Break | Friday 26 March 2027toFriday 9 April 2027 | In 151 days |
Summer Term StartsTerm Start | Monday 12 April 2027 | In 168 days |
Summer Half TermHalf Term Break | Monday 31 May 2027toFriday 4 June 2027 | In 217 days |
Summer HolidayMain School Break | Thursday 22 July 2027toTuesday 31 August 2027 | In 269 days |
Academic Year 2025–2026 Term Dates
Current academic year schedule.
| Term / Holiday Break | Dates | Timing |
|---|---|---|
Autumn Term StartsTerm Start | Wednesday 3 September 2025 | Past |
Autumn Half TermHalf Term Break | Monday 27 October 2025toFriday 31 October 2025 | Past |
Christmas HolidayMain School Break | Monday 22 December 2025toFriday 2 January 2026 | Past |
Spring Term StartsTerm Start | Monday 5 January 2026 | Past |
Spring Half TermHalf Term Break | Monday 16 February 2026toFriday 20 February 2026 | Past |
Easter HolidayMain School Break | Monday 30 March 2026toFriday 10 April 2026 | Past |
Summer Term StartsTerm Start | Monday 13 April 2026 | Past |
Summer Half TermHalf Term Break | Monday 25 May 2026toFriday 29 May 2026 | Past |
Summer HolidayMain School Break | Thursday 23 July 2026toTuesday 1 September 2026 | Past |
Teacher Training (INSET) Days in BCP
In England and Wales, maintained schools have 5 statutory In-Service Training (INSET) days per year when schools are closed to pupils. These are set individually by school headteachers and governing bodies rather than the central council.
Tip for Parents: INSET days are frequently scheduled on the first day of the autumn term (e.g. 2 September 2026) and adjacent to bank holidays. Check your school's website or newsletter for their 5 confirmed training dates.
Towns & Areas Covered by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
Schools in these areas follow the BCP local authority school term calendar:
BournemouthPooleChristchurchBroadstoneParkstone
Postcode Areas: BH
Neighbouring Council School Calendars
Compare term dates with local authorities bordering BCP. Essential for families with children attending schools across borders.