East Lothian school holidays 2026–2027 outline the official term dates and holiday periods for primary, secondary, and additional support needs schools managed by East Lothian Council in Scotland. These dates define when pupils are expected to attend school and when scheduled breaks occur during the academic year.
Understanding the East Lothian school calendar allows families to plan childcare, coordinate work leave, and organise travel without disrupting attendance.
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What East Lothian School Holidays 2026–2027 Mean
Scottish schools operate on a four-term academic structure. The school year typically begins in mid-August and ends in late June. The calendar includes:
- An autumn term with an October break
- A winter term concluding before Christmas
- A spring term finishing around Easter
- A summer term ending in June
In addition to holiday periods, schools schedule in-service days when pupils do not attend and staff undertake professional development.
These dates apply to council-run schools in East Lothian. Independent schools may operate different calendars.
East Lothian Term Dates 2026–2027
Term 1 – Autumn 2026
- Teachers return: Monday 17 August 2026
- Pupils return: Wednesday 19 August 2026
- September weekend holiday: Friday 25 September 2026 and Monday 28 September 2026
- October holiday: Monday 12 October 2026 to Friday 16 October 2026
- Term ends: Friday 18 December 2026
Christmas Holiday 2026–2027
- Schools close: Monday 21 December 2026
- Schools reopen: Wednesday 6 January 2027
Term 2 – Spring 2027
- Term begins: Wednesday 6 January 2027
- Mid-term break: Monday 15 February 2027 and Tuesday 16 February 2027
- Term ends: Friday 26 March 2027
In 2027, Good Friday falls on 26 March and Easter Monday falls on 29 March. These dates occur within the Easter holiday period.
Spring Holiday 2027
- Holiday period: Monday 29 March 2027 to Friday 9 April 2027
- Schools reopen: Monday 12 April 2027
Term 3 – Summer 2027
- Term begins: Monday 12 April 2027
- May Day holiday: Monday 3 May 2027
- Term ends: Friday 25 June 2027
Summer Holiday 2027
- Summer holiday begins: Monday 28 June 2027
- Next academic year expected to begin: Mid-August 2027
The summer holiday in Scotland typically lasts around six weeks.
Public Holidays Affecting School Attendance
The following public holidays occur during the 2026–2027 academic year:
- September Weekend: 25 and 28 September 2026
- Good Friday: 26 March 2027
- Easter Monday: 29 March 2027
- May Day: 3 May 2027
Schools remain closed on official public holidays.
Who These Dates Apply To
East Lothian school holidays 2026–2027 apply to:
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Additional support needs schools
- Local authority maintained establishments
Independent schools in East Lothian may follow different term schedules.
In-Service Days and Staff Training
East Lothian schools include in-service days during the academic year. On these dates:
- Pupils do not attend school
- Teachers undertake professional development
- Parents may need to arrange childcare
Exact in-service dates vary by school. Always confirm directly with the school for accurate attendance information.
Attendance Expectations and Term-Time Holidays
Attendance is closely monitored in Scotland. Parents should avoid taking children out of school during term time unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Key considerations:
- Unauthorised absence may impact attendance records
- Schools may request written explanations for extended absences
- Consistent attendance supports academic progress
Booking travel during official holiday periods helps avoid complications.
Why Knowing East Lothian Term Dates Matters
Access to the East Lothian school holidays 2026–2027 calendar helps families:
- Plan childcare arrangements early
- Coordinate annual leave with employers
- Book travel during official breaks
- Prepare for exams and assessments
- Organise extracurricular activities
Advance planning reduces stress and scheduling conflicts.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
1. Confusing Scottish and English School Calendars
Scottish schools begin earlier in August and finish earlier in June compared to England.
2. Forgetting In-Service Days
Training days are separate from official holiday periods.
3. Booking Travel Before Confirming Dates
Always verify term dates directly with the school before making non-refundable bookings.
4. Overlooking the September Weekend
September holidays differ between Scottish councils.
5. Leaving Childcare Arrangements Too Late
Holiday childcare providers fill quickly, particularly during summer.
FAQs: East Lothian School Holidays 2026–2027
When do East Lothian schools start in August 2026?
Pupils return to school on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
When is the October holiday in 2026?
The October break runs from Monday 12 October to Friday 16 October 2026.
When do schools close for summer 2027?
Schools close on Friday 25 June 2027, with the summer holiday beginning Monday 28 June 2027.
Are public holidays included in school closures?
Yes. Schools are closed on public holidays such as Good Friday, Easter Monday, and May Day.
Do all East Lothian schools follow these dates?
Council-run schools follow this calendar. Independent schools may operate different term schedules.
Final Thoughts
The East Lothian school holidays 2026–2027 calendar provides a structured academic framework from August 2026 to June 2027. With defined autumn, winter, spring, and summer breaks, families can confidently organise childcare, travel, and work commitments.
Always confirm final dates directly with your child’s school, especially regarding in-service days or any local adjustments, to avoid attendance or scheduling issues.