Academic year 2026 to 2027

School term dates and holidays for academic year 2026 to 2027 for community and voluntary controlled schools in Essex

These dates are for community and voluntary controlled schools in Essex.

Term dates for foundation and voluntary-aided schools and academies may be different. Check with your child's school for their term dates.

Term Starts Ends
Autumn, term 1 Tuesday 1 September 2026 Friday 23 September 2026
Autumn half term Monday 26 October 2026 Friday 30 October 2026
Autumn, term 2 Monday 2 November 2026 Friday 18 December 2026
Winter holiday (Christmas) Monday 21 December 2026 Thursday 31 December 2026
Spring, term 3 Monday 4 January 2027 Friday 12 February 2027
Spring half term Monday 15 February 2027 Friday 19 February 2027
Spring, term 4 Monday 22 February 2027 Thursday 25 March 2027
Easter bank holiday Friday 26 March 2027 Monday 29 March 2027
Spring holiday (Easter) Tuesday 30 March 2027 Friday 9 April 2027
Summer, term 5 Monday 12 April 2027 Friday 28 May 2027
Early May bank holiday Monday 3 May 2027 Monday 3 May 2027
Summer half term Monday 31 May 2027 Friday 4 June 2027
Summer, term 6 Monday 7 June 2027 Wednesday 21 July 2027
Summer holiday Thursday 22 July 2027 Wednesday 31 August 2027

There are 195 school days in a year.

Schools also have 5 days out of the academic year for staff training. Contact your child’s school to find out when they will be.

View the full 2026 to 2027 term date calendar (PDF, 211.25 KB).

You can find bank holidays dates on GOV.UK.

You must get permission from the headteacher if you want to take your child out of school during term time.