Derbyshire school holidays 2026–2027 outline the official term dates and holiday periods for local authority maintained schools in Derbyshire, England. These dates are set by Derbyshire County Council and provide a structured academic calendar for parents, pupils, and schools.
Understanding the full school holiday schedule is essential for planning family travel, arranging childcare, coordinating work leave, and ensuring compliance with school attendance regulations.
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What Derbyshire School Holidays 2026–2027 Mean
The academic year in Derbyshire follows a three-term structure:
- Autumn Term
- Spring Term
- Summer Term
Each term includes a half-term break, along with longer holidays at Christmas, Easter, and during the summer. These dates apply to community and voluntary controlled schools. Academies and independent schools may set their own term dates, so parents should always confirm directly with their child’s school.
Derbyshire Term Dates 2026–2027
Autumn Term 2026
- Term starts: Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Autumn half-term: Monday 26 October 2026 to Friday 30 October 2026
- Term ends: Friday 18 December 2026
The autumn term is typically the longest term of the year and concludes with the Christmas holiday.
Spring Term 2027
- Term starts: Monday 4 January 2027
- Spring half-term: Monday 15 February 2027 to Friday 19 February 2027
- Term ends: Thursday 25 March 2027
The spring term ends just before the Easter break. Good Friday in 2027 falls on 26 March, and Easter Monday falls on 29 March.
Summer Term 2027
- Term starts: Monday 12 April 2027
- Summer half-term: Monday 31 May 2027 to Friday 4 June 2027
- Term ends: Friday 23 July 2027
The summer holiday begins after the final school day in July and typically lasts around six weeks.
Bank Holidays During the Academic Year
The following bank holidays occur during the 2026–2027 school year:
- Good Friday: 26 March 2027
- Easter Monday: 29 March 2027
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday 3 May 2027
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 31 May 2027
Schools are closed on official bank holidays.
Who These Dates Apply To
Derbyshire school holidays 2026–2027 apply to:
- Community schools
- Voluntary controlled schools
- Local authority maintained schools
Academies, foundation schools, and independent schools may follow different calendars. Always verify term dates with the specific school your child attends.
INSET Days and Staff Training
Schools are allocated several INSET days each academic year. These are staff training days when pupils do not attend school.
Important points:
- INSET days are set individually by schools
- They are not included in the published holiday dates
- Parents must check directly with the school for confirmation
Failing to account for INSET days can lead to last-minute childcare challenges.
Attendance Rules and Term-Time Holidays
In England, school attendance is legally monitored. Taking children out of school during term time without authorisation can result in a fixed penalty notice.
Parents should be aware that:
- Term-time holidays are rarely approved
- Penalty notices may be issued per parent, per child
- Unauthorised absences affect attendance records
Booking holidays during official half-term or summer breaks helps avoid fines and ensures compliance with attendance regulations.
Why Knowing Derbyshire School Holidays Matters
Having access to the Derbyshire school holidays 2026–2027 calendar allows families to:
- Plan childcare early
- Coordinate annual leave with employers
- Book travel during approved periods
- Prepare for exam schedules
- Organise extracurricular activities
Advance planning reduces stress and avoids conflicts between school obligations and family commitments.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
1. Assuming All Schools Follow Identical Dates
Academies may adjust term dates slightly.
2. Overlooking INSET Days
Training days vary by school and are not standard holidays.
3. Booking Travel Before Confirming Dates
Always confirm term dates with the school before making non-refundable bookings.
4. Misunderstanding Easter Timing
Easter dates change annually. In 2027, Good Friday is 26 March.
5. Waiting Too Late to Arrange Childcare
Holiday clubs and childcare services fill quickly, particularly during summer.
FAQs: Derbyshire School Holidays 2026–2027
When do Derbyshire schools start in September 2026?
The autumn term begins on Tuesday 1 September 2026.
When is October half-term 2026 in Derbyshire?
October half-term runs from Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026.
When do schools break up for summer 2027?
Schools close on Friday 23 July 2027 for the summer holiday.
Are bank holidays included in school closures?
Yes. Schools are closed on official bank holidays such as Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Early May Bank Holiday.
Do academies follow Derbyshire County Council term dates?
Academies may set their own term dates. Parents should confirm directly with the individual school.
Final Thoughts
The Derbyshire school holidays 2026–2027 calendar provides a clear academic structure from September 2026 to July 2027. With defined half-term breaks, Christmas and Easter holidays, and a six-week summer break, families can plan effectively throughout the year.
To avoid attendance issues or childcare complications, always confirm specific dates with your child’s school and account for INSET days when organising travel or work leave.