When do UK schools break up for summer in 2026?

In England and Wales, most maintained schools break up on Wednesday 22 July 2026. In Scotland, schools finish earlier on Thursday 25 or Friday 26 June 2026. In Northern Ireland, schools finish on Tuesday 30 June 2026.

How many school days are in a standard UK academic year?

By statutory law under the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), maintained schools must open for 190 teaching days for pupils, plus 5 teacher INSET training days, totaling 195 contracted working days.

When do schools go back after summer 2026?

In England and Wales, the new academic year begins on Wednesday 2 September 2026 (with pupil return between 2–4 September). In Scotland, schools resume in mid-August (17–19 August 2026).

Real-Time UK Academic Clock

How Many Days Until the Summer Holidays 2026?

Track exact days, hours, and remaining school teaching days until the six-week summer break across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Live UK Academic Timer

Countdown to Summer Holidays 2026

Pupils finish classes on Wednesday 22 July 2026 for a 6-week break, returning Wednesday 2 September 2026.

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Looking for your specific Local Authority breakup date?

England & Wales

Wednesday 22 July 2026

Maintained schools break up on 22 July. Academies occasionally finish 2–3 days earlier. Summer holiday runs through Tuesday 1 September 2026.

Explore England Dates

Scotland

Thursday 25 June 2026

Scottish pupils finish their school year almost a full month before English schools, returning in mid-August (around 17–19 August 2026).

Explore Scotland Dates

Northern Ireland

Tuesday 30 June 2026

Schools in Northern Ireland conclude summer term at the end of June, providing 9 full weeks of summer vacation through 1 September.

Explore NI Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

How many weeks of summer holiday do UK children get?

In England and Wales, state schools take a statutory 6-week summer vacation (approx. 42 calendar days). In Scotland, summer break typically lasts 7 weeks, while Northern Ireland schools enjoy 9 weeks off across July and August.

Can schools fine parents for extending the summer holiday into September?

Yes. Under the 2024 DfE National Framework, missing the first 5 days of the autumn term in September triggers the 10-session penalty notice threshold (£80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days).