Glasgow school holidays 2026–2027 outline the official term dates and scheduled holiday periods for primary, secondary, and additional support needs schools managed by Glasgow City Council in Scotland. These dates determine when pupils are expected to attend school and when scheduled breaks occur across the academic year.
Understanding Glasgow’s school calendar helps families organise childcare, plan travel, and coordinate work leave without disrupting attendance.
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What Glasgow School Holidays 2026–2027 Mean
Scottish schools use a four-term academic calendar. The school year usually begins in mid-August and concludes in late June. The structure includes:
- An autumn term with a September weekend and autumn break
- A winter term ending before Christmas
- A spring term finishing around Easter
- A summer term concluding in June
In addition to these holiday periods, schools schedule in-service days for staff training when pupils do not attend.
These dates apply to local authority maintained schools in Glasgow. Independent schools may operate different calendars.
Glasgow 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
- Autumn break: Monday 5 October 2026 to Friday 9 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 is on 26 March and Easter Monday is on 29 March, falling during the spring 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 about six weeks.
Public Holidays Affecting School Attendance
The following public holidays occur during the 2026–2027 academic year and influence school closures:
- September weekend: Friday 25 September and Monday 28 September 2026
- Good Friday: 26 March 2027
- Easter Monday: 29 March 2027
- May Day: Monday 3 May 2027
Glasgow schools remain closed on official public holidays.
Who These Dates Apply To
Glasgow school holidays 2026–2027 apply to:
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Additional support needs schools
- Local authority maintained establishments
Independent and private schools within Glasgow may set different term calendars.
In-Service Days and Staff Training
Glasgow schools schedule in-service days throughout the academic year. On these days:
- Pupils do not attend school
- Teachers undertake professional development
- Parents may need to arrange childcare
Exact in-service days vary by school. Always confirm with your child’s school for accurate attendance information.
Attendance Expectations and Term-Time Holidays
Attendance is closely monitored across Scottish schools. Parents should avoid taking children out of school during term time unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Key considerations include:
- Unauthorised absences may affect attendance records
- Schools may require written explanations for absence
- Consistent attendance supports academic performance
Booking travel during official school holiday periods helps avoid complications.
Why Knowing Glasgow Term Dates Matters
Access to the Glasgow 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 term dates differ from those in England and Wales.
2. Forgetting In-Service Days
Training days are separate from official holiday periods and vary by school.
3. Booking Travel Before Confirming Dates
Always verify term dates directly with the school before booking.
4. Overlooking Local September Weekend Holidays
September holiday observances can vary by council.
5. Leaving Childcare Arrangements Too Late
Holiday childcare services fill up quickly, especially during summer.
FAQs: Glasgow School Holidays 2026–2027
When do Glasgow schools start in August 2026?
Pupils return to school on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
When is the autumn break in 2026?
The autumn break runs from Monday 5 October to Friday 9 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 official public holidays such as Good Friday, Easter Monday, and May Day.
Do all Glasgow schools follow these dates?
Council-run schools follow this calendar, but independent schools may operate their own schedules.
Final Thoughts
The Glasgow school holidays 2026–2027 calendar provides a structured academic framework from August 2026 through 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 planning issues.