Highland Council school holidays 2026–2027 outline the official term dates and scheduled break periods for primary, secondary, and additional support needs schools managed by Highland Council in Scotland. These dates define when pupils attend school and when holiday periods occur during the academic year.
Understanding the Highland school calendar helps families plan childcare, organise annual leave, and arrange travel without disrupting school attendance.
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What Highland Council School Holidays 2026–2027 Mean
Scottish schools follow a four-term academic calendar. The school year typically begins in mid-August and concludes in late June. The structure includes:
- An autumn term with autumn break
- A winter term ending before Christmas
- A spring term finishing around Easter
- A summer term concluding in June
In addition to official holiday periods, schools schedule in-service days for teacher training. On those days, pupils do not attend.
These term dates apply to local authority maintained schools in Highland Council. Independent schools may operate different calendars.
Highland Council Term Dates 2026–2027
Term 1 – Autumn 2026
- Teachers return: Monday 17 August 2026
- Pupils return: Wednesday 19 August 2026
- October break: 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
Good Friday in 2027 falls on 26 March and Easter Monday falls on 29 March. These dates occur during 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 typically lasts around six weeks.
Public Holidays Affecting School Attendance
The following public holidays occur during the 2026–2027 academic year:
- 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
Highland Council school holidays 2026–2027 apply to:
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Additional support needs schools
- Local authority maintained establishments
Independent schools within the Highland area may follow different term calendars.
In-Service Days and Staff Training
Highland Council schools schedule in-service days throughout 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 your child’s 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.
Important considerations include:
- Unauthorised absences may affect attendance records
- Schools may request written explanations for absence
- Consistent attendance supports academic success
Booking travel during official school holiday periods helps avoid complications.
Why Knowing Highland Council Term Dates Matters
Access to the Highland Council school holidays 2026–2027 calendar helps families:
- Plan childcare arrangements in advance
- Coordinate annual leave with employers
- Book travel during official holiday 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 school calendars differ significantly from English and Welsh systems.
2. Forgetting In-Service Days
Training days are separate from holiday periods and vary by school.
3. Booking Travel Before Confirming Dates
Always verify term dates directly with the school before making non-refundable plans.
4. Overlooking Local Holiday Breaks
Holiday dates such as October breaks may differ slightly across councils.
5. Leaving Childcare Arrangements Too Late
Holiday childcare providers fill up quickly, particularly during summer.
FAQs: Highland Council School Holidays 2026–2027
When do Highland Council 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 close on official public holidays such as Good Friday, Easter Monday, and May Day.
Do all Highland Council schools follow these dates?
Council-run schools follow this calendar. Independent schools may operate different term schedules.
Final Thoughts
The Highland Council 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 adjustments, to avoid attendance or scheduling issues.