Durham school holidays 2026–2027 outline the official term dates and holiday periods for schools maintained by Durham County Council in England. These dates provide a structured academic calendar that helps parents, carers, and educators plan childcare, travel, and family commitments throughout the academic year.
Understanding the full holiday schedule helps families avoid unauthorised absences and make informed decisions about annual leave and travel.
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What Durham School Holidays 2026–2027 Mean
The academic year in Durham is organised into three principal terms:
- Autumn Term
- Spring Term
- Summer Term
Each term includes a scheduled half-term break and longer holiday periods 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 with their child’s school.
Durham 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 concludes before the Christmas holiday period.
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. In 2027, Good Friday falls on 26 March and Easter Monday 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 last day of term and typically continues through August.
Bank Holidays During the Academic Year
The following public 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
The Durham school holidays 2026–2027 apply to:
- Community schools
- Voluntary controlled schools
- Local authority maintained schools
Academies and independent schools may operate on different calendars. Always verify specific term dates with the school your child attends.
INSET Days and Staff Training
Schools in Durham are allocated a number of INSET (In-Service Training) days each year. These are days when pupils do not attend school, but staff undertake professional development.
Key points:
- INSET days vary by school
- These days are not included in the published holiday dates
- Parents should check with their child’s school for exact dates
Not planning for INSET days can result in unexpected childcare needs.
Attendance Rules and Term-Time Holidays
School attendance in England is legally monitored and enforced. Taking children out of school during term time without authorisation can lead to fixed penalty notices.
Parents should note:
- Term-time holidays are rarely approved
- Penalty notices may be issued per parent, per child
- Unauthorised absence impacts attendance records
Booking travel during official school breaks helps avoid fines and compliance issues.
Why Knowing Durham Holiday Dates Matters
Having access to the Durham school holidays 2026–2027 calendar helps families:
- Plan childcare early
- Coordinate annual leave with employers
- Book travel during official breaks
- Prepare for exam and revision schedules
- Organise extracurricular activities
Employers often require early notice for leave, particularly during summer months. Knowing the school term dates ahead of time assists in planning and communication.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
1. Assuming All Schools Follow the Same Dates
Academies and free schools may set different start and end dates.
2. Overlooking INSET Days
These training days aren’t standard holidays but still require childcare planning.
3. Booking Travel Before Confirming Dates
Always check with the school before purchasing non-refundable tickets.
4. Misunderstanding Easter Timing
Easter changes annually. In 2027, Good Friday is 26 March and Easter Monday is 29 March.
5. Leaving Childcare Arrangements Too Late
Holiday childcare services book up early, especially during half-term and summer breaks.
FAQs: Durham School Holidays 2026–2027
When do Durham schools start in September 2026?
The autumn term begins on Tuesday 1 September 2026.
When is October half-term 2026 in Durham?
The autumn 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 and Easter Monday.
Do academies follow Durham County Council dates?
Academies can set their own term dates. Parents should confirm directly with the school.
Final Thoughts
The Durham school holidays 2026–2027 calendar offers a clear academic structure from September 2026 to July 2027. With defined half-term breaks and holiday periods at Christmas and Easter, families can plan childcare, travel, and annual leave with confidence.
Always confirm finalised dates directly with your child’s school, particularly regarding INSET days or any alterations, to avoid attendance issues or scheduling conflicts.