Are you a parent, guardian, teacher, or planning a holiday? “What are the UK school holidays for 2025?” is one of the most frequently searched questions around this time of year.
Whether you want to plan a family trip, prepare for childcare, or simply avoid peak travel periods, having accurate school holiday dates is essential.
In this comprehensive article, we cover the UK school term dates and holidays for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We’ll also explore tips for booking holidays during the breaks, how school term times vary by region, and what to expect from inset days and bank holidays.
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Quick Overview: UK School Holidays 2025
Before going into details, here’s a snapshot of the main school holiday periods in 2025 across most UK schools:
| Holiday Period | Approximate Dates |
| Spring Half-Term | 17 – 21 February 2025 |
| Easter Holidays | 7 – 22 April 2025 |
| Summer Half-Term | 26 – 30 May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 21 July – 2 Sept 2025 |
| Autumn Half-Term | 27 – 31 October 2025 |
| Christmas Holidays | 22 Dec 2025 – 5 Jan 2026 |
Note: Dates may vary by local authority and school. Always double-check with your local council.
England School Holiday Dates 2025
Each local authority in England sets its own term dates, though many follow similar timelines. Here are the general patterns:
Spring Term 2025
- Term Starts: Monday 6 January 2025
- Half-Term: Monday 17 – Friday 21 February 2025
- Term Ends: Friday 4 April 2025
Summer Term 2025
- Term Starts: Tuesday 22 April 2025
- Half-Term: Monday 26 – Friday 30 May 2025
- Term Ends: Friday 18 July 2025
Autumn Term 2025
- Term Starts: Monday 1 September 2025
- Half-Term: Monday 27 – Friday 31 October 2025
- Term Ends: Friday 19 December 2025
Schools usually have 5 INSET days (teacher training days) per year. These vary, so check with individual schools.
Scotland School Holidays 2025
Scottish schools have a different schedule. Here are typical holiday times for Scotland:
Spring Term
- Term Starts: Monday 6 January 2025
- Mid-Term Break: Mid to Late February (varies by council)
- Easter Break: Friday 4 – Tuesday 22 April 2025
Summer Term
- Term Ends: Late June (e.g., Friday 27 June 2025)
- Summer Holidays: Late June – mid-August
Autumn Term
- Term Starts: Mid-August 2025
- Half-Term: Mid-October
- Term Ends: Mid-December (around Friday 19 Dec 2025)
Some Scottish councils also have short “September weekends.”
Wales School Holidays 2025
Welsh school terms closely mirror those in England, though term start and end dates can vary slightly:
Spring Term
- Starts: Monday 6 January 2025
- Half-Term: Monday 17 – Friday 21 February 2025
- Ends: Friday 4 April 2025
Summer Term
- Starts: Tuesday 22 April 2025
- Half-Term: Monday 26 – Friday 30 May 2025
- Ends: Friday 18 July 2025
Autumn Term
- Starts: Monday 1 September 2025
- Half-Term: Monday 27 – Friday 31 October 2025
- Ends: Friday 19 December 2025
Visit the Welsh Government website for updates by local authority.
Northern Ireland School Holidays 2025
Northern Ireland schools follow a similar but distinct pattern:
- Spring Half-Term: Mid-February
- Easter Holidays: Friday 11 – Friday 25 April 2025
- Summer Holidays: End of June – early September
- Autumn Mid-Term: Late October
- Christmas Holidays: Around 22 December – early January
Travel Tips for Booking During School Holidays
If you’re planning holidays around school terms, here are some smart tips:
1. Book Early
Travel prices spike during school holidays. Booking flights and accommodation 3–6 months in advance can save you hundreds.
2. Be Flexible with Locations
While European beach destinations are popular, consider lesser-known spots like Slovenia, Malta, or the Scottish Highlands for better deals.
3. Use Price Alerts
Set alerts on platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to track fare changes.
4. Check Term Dates Locally
Avoid making assumptions. Even schools within the same city may have different inset days.
Why UK School Holiday Info Matters (For Bloggers & Businesses)
If you run a travel blog, local events site, or family-focused business, understanding the school calendar is key to:
- Optimising content around peak traffic times
- Targeting parents and families with offers or activities
- Boosting ad revenue during high-demand periods
What Are the UK School Holidays for 2025?
| Region | Key Holiday Highlights |
| England | Summer holidays: late July to early September |
| Scotland | Schools break up in late June, return mid-August |
| Wales | Mostly similar to England, with some variation |
| N. Ireland | Slightly different Easter and Summer holidays |
No matter where you are in the UK, checking with your local education authority or school website remains the most accurate way to plan.
Conclusion
School holidays affect everything from childcare planning to vacation costs and content marketing. By staying ahead of the UK school holiday calendar for 2025, you can make smarter decisions whether you’re a parent, a business owner, or just want to avoid the holiday rush.
FAQs About UK School Holidays 2025
Do all UK schools follow the same holiday dates?
No. Term dates can vary between regions and even individual schools.
When do the summer holidays start in the UK 2025?
Most English and Welsh schools start around 22 July 2025, while Scottish schools break up in late June.
Are holidays more expensive during school breaks?
Yes, prices often rise significantly during school holidays due to high demand.
