Edinburgh school holidays 2026–2027 set out the official term dates and holiday periods for primary, secondary, and special schools managed by the City of Edinburgh Council in Scotland. These dates define when pupils attend school and when scheduled breaks occur during the academic year.
Having access to accurate Edinburgh term dates allows families to plan childcare, organise annual leave, and avoid attendance issues.
Contents
What Edinburgh School Holidays 2026–2027 Mean
Scottish schools follow a four-term academic calendar. The school year usually begins in mid-August and finishes in late June. The structure includes:
- An autumn term with a September weekend and October break
- A winter term ending before Christmas
- A spring term finishing around Easter
- A summer term concluding in June
In addition to holiday periods, schools schedule in-service days for staff training. Pupils do not attend on these dates.
These term dates apply to local authority maintained schools within Edinburgh. Independent schools may operate different calendars.
Edinburgh 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 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
In 2027, Good Friday falls on 26 March and Easter Monday falls on 29 March. These dates fall 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 typically lasts approximately 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
Edinburgh school holidays 2026–2027 apply to:
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Special schools
- Local authority maintained establishments
Independent schools within Edinburgh may follow different term calendars.
In-Service Days and Staff Training
Edinburgh schools include in-service days during the academic year. On these days:
- 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 individual 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 include:
- Unauthorised absence may impact attendance records
- Schools may request written explanations for absence
- Regular attendance supports academic achievement
Booking travel during official holiday periods helps avoid complications.
Why Knowing Edinburgh Term Dates Matters
Access to the Edinburgh school holidays 2026–2027 calendar helps families:
- Plan childcare arrangements early
- Coordinate annual leave with employers
- Book travel during official breaks
- Prepare for exam and assessment periods
- Organise extracurricular activities
Advance planning reduces stress and scheduling conflicts.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
1. Confusing Scottish and English School Calendars
Scottish schools start 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 vary between Scottish councils.
5. Leaving Childcare Arrangements Too Late
Holiday childcare providers fill quickly, particularly during summer.
FAQs: Edinburgh School Holidays 2026–2027
When do Edinburgh schools start in August 2026?
Pupils return to school on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
When is the October break in 2026?
The October holiday 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 Edinburgh schools follow these dates?
Council-run schools follow this calendar. Independent schools may operate different term schedules.
Final Thoughts
The Edinburgh 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.