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City of Edinburgh Council School Holidays & Term Dates 2026–2027

In Edinburgh, the 2026 Autumn term begins on Monday 17 August 2026. The Autumn Mid-Term is from Monday 12 October 2026 to Friday 23 October 2026, and the Christmas break starts on Wednesday 23 December 2026.

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Verified Official Council SourceDirect provenance checked against City of Edinburgh Council official publication.
Last verified: 2026-10-26ONS: S12000036
Academies, foundation, free and voluntary-aided schools in Edinburgh determine their own term and holiday dates independently. Always confirm specific INSET days with your individual school.
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Academic Year 2026–2027 Term Dates

Official calendar for community and voluntary-controlled schools in Edinburgh.

Official Council Calendar
City of Edinburgh Council School Term Dates (2026-2027)
Term / Holiday BreakDatesTiming
Autumn Term StartsTerm Start
Monday 17 August 2026Past
Autumn Mid-TermHalf Term Break
Monday 12 October 2026toFriday 23 October 2026
Past
Winter HolidayMain School Break
Wednesday 23 December 2026toTuesday 5 January 2027
In 58 days
Spring Term StartsTerm Start
Wednesday 6 January 2027In 72 days
February Mid-TermHalf Term Break
Monday 8 February 2027toFriday 12 February 2027
In 105 days
Spring HolidayMain School Break
Monday 29 March 2027toFriday 9 April 2027
In 154 days
Summer Term StartsTerm Start
Monday 12 April 2027In 168 days
May Day & Local HolidayHalf Term Break
Monday 3 May 2027toTuesday 4 May 2027
In 189 days
Summer HolidayMain School Break
Monday 28 June 2027toFriday 13 August 2027
In 245 days

Academic Year 2025–2026 Term Dates

Current academic year schedule.

City of Edinburgh Council School Term Dates (2025-2026)
Term / Holiday BreakDatesTiming
Autumn Term StartsTerm Start
Monday 18 August 2025Past
Autumn Mid-TermHalf Term Break
Monday 13 October 2025toFriday 24 October 2025
Past
Winter HolidayMain School Break
Monday 22 December 2025toMonday 5 January 2026
Past
Spring Term StartsTerm Start
Tuesday 6 January 2026Past
February Mid-TermHalf Term Break
Monday 9 February 2026toFriday 13 February 2026
Past
Spring HolidayMain School Break
Monday 6 April 2026toFriday 17 April 2026
Past
Summer Term StartsTerm Start
Monday 20 April 2026Past
May Day & Local HolidayHalf Term Break
Monday 4 May 2026toTuesday 5 May 2026
Past
Summer HolidayMain School Break
Monday 29 June 2026toFriday 14 August 2026
Past

Teacher Training (INSET) Days in Edinburgh

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 City of Edinburgh Council

Schools in these areas follow the Edinburgh local authority school term calendar:

EdinburghLeithMusselburghPortobelloCorstorphineMorningside
Postcode Areas: EH

Neighbouring Council School Calendars

Compare term dates with local authorities bordering Edinburgh. Essential for families with children attending schools across borders.

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Fife Term Dates

Fife Council (Scotland). Major towns: Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Glenrothes.

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