Nottinghamshire school holidays 2026–2027 outline the official term dates and break periods for local authority maintained schools in Nottinghamshire, England. These dates are set by Nottinghamshire County Council and provide the academic framework for the year, helping parents, carers, and schools plan education, childcare, and travel arrangements effectively.
The 2026–2027 academic year follows the standard three-term structure used across England: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Below is the full breakdown of confirmed term dates and holiday periods.
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What Nottinghamshire School Holidays 2026–2027 Mean
School holidays determine when pupils must attend school and when they are officially on break. The academic year is divided into three main terms, each separated by half-term breaks. There are also longer breaks at Christmas, Easter, and during the summer.
These dates apply to Nottinghamshire County Council maintained schools. However, academies, free schools, and independent schools may set slightly different dates. Always confirm with your child’s individual school for any variations or additional training days.
Nottinghamshire Term Dates 2026–2027
Autumn Term 2026
- Term starts: Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Autumn half-term holiday: Monday 19 October 2026 to Friday 30 October 2026
- Term ends: Friday 18 December 2026
The Autumn Term is typically the longest term of the academic year. The two-week October half-term break provides an important mid-term rest period before the Christmas holiday.
Spring Term 2027
- Term starts: Monday 4 January 2027
- Spring half-term holiday: Monday 15 February 2027 to Friday 19 February 2027
- Term ends: Thursday 25 March 2027
The Spring Term concludes just before the Easter period. Schools remain closed during Good Friday (26 March 2027) and Easter Monday (29 March 2027), which fall within the Easter holiday period.
Summer Term 2027
- Term starts: Monday 12 April 2027
- Summer half-term holiday: Monday 31 May 2027 to Friday 4 June 2027
- Term ends: Wednesday 28 July 2027
The Summer Term finishes in late July, marking the beginning of the six-week summer holiday before the 2027–2028 academic year begins in early September.
Bank Holidays During the 2026–2027 Academic Year
The following bank holidays occur during the academic year and may affect school attendance:
- Good Friday: Friday 26 March 2027
- Easter Monday: Monday 29 March 2027
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday 3 May 2027
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 31 May 2027 (during half-term)
Schools are closed on official bank holidays.
Who These Dates Apply To
The Nottinghamshire school holidays 2026–2027 apply to:
- Community schools
- Voluntary controlled schools
- Local authority maintained schools
Academies and free schools may follow the same calendar but are legally permitted to set their own term dates. Parents should check directly with their child’s school for confirmation.
INSET Days and Additional Closures
Schools are allocated five INSET (In-Service Training) days each academic year. These are staff training days when pupils do not attend school.
INSET days are set individually by each school and are not included in the standard holiday schedule above. This means your child may have additional non-attendance days beyond the published term dates.
Always verify the following with your child’s school:
- Exact first day pupils are expected to attend
- INSET or staff training days
- Any unexpected closures
Planning Holidays During Term Time
Taking children out of school during term time without authorisation can result in a fixed penalty notice. Local authorities enforce attendance regulations strictly.
Parents should be aware that:
- Term-time holidays are rarely authorised
- Penalty notices may be issued per parent, per child
- Unauthorised absence can impact attendance records
For cost-effective travel planning, many families book holidays during official half-term or summer breaks to avoid fines and compliance issues.
Why Nottinghamshire Term Dates Matter
Knowing the Nottinghamshire school holidays 2026–2027 allows families to:
- Plan childcare arrangements in advance
- Book travel around peak periods
- Schedule work leave efficiently
- Prepare for exam periods and revision time
- Coordinate family commitments
Employers often require advance notice for annual leave. Having the full academic calendar helps working parents align their leave with school breaks.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
1. Assuming All Schools Follow Identical Dates
Academies may adjust term start or end dates slightly. Always check the official school website.
2. Forgetting INSET Days
Parents sometimes overlook training days and arrange childcare too late.
3. Booking Travel Before Confirming Dates
Even small date variations can affect travel bookings. Always confirm directly with your child’s school.
4. Misunderstanding Easter Timing
Easter changes annually. For 2027, Good Friday falls on 26 March and Easter Monday on 29 March.
5. Leaving Childcare Arrangements Too Late
Half-term and summer holiday childcare fills quickly. Early planning is essential.
FAQs: Nottinghamshire School Holidays 2026–2027
When do Nottinghamshire schools break up for summer 2027?
Schools break up on Wednesday 28 July 2027 for the summer holiday.
When is October half-term 2026 in Nottinghamshire?
Autumn half-term runs from Monday 19 October to Friday 30 October 2026.
When does the Spring Term 2027 start?
The Spring Term begins on Monday 4 January 2027.
Are bank holidays included in school holidays?
Yes. Schools are closed on official bank holidays such as Good Friday, Easter Monday, and the Early May Bank Holiday.
Do academies follow the same holiday dates?
Not always. Academies can set their own term dates, so parents should confirm directly with the school.
Final Thoughts
The Nottinghamshire school holidays 2026–2027 calendar provides a clear structure for the academic year, beginning on 1 September 2026 and concluding on 28 July 2027. With defined half-term breaks in October, February, and late May, plus extended Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays, families can plan confidently.
To avoid attendance issues, confirm specific dates with your child’s school, check for INSET days, and book childcare and travel well in advance. Proper planning ensures compliance with school attendance regulations while helping families make the most of school holiday periods.