Hampshire school holidays 2026–2027 outline the official term dates and holiday periods for state-funded primary and secondary schools in Hampshire, England. These dates, set by Hampshire County Council, define when pupils are required to attend school and when scheduled breaks occur throughout the academic year.
Knowing the Hampshire term dates helps families plan childcare, organise travel, coordinate work leave, and ensure compliance with school attendance policies.
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What Hampshire School Holidays 2026–2027 Mean
English schools operate a three-term academic calendar each year:
- The Autumn Term
- The Spring Term
- The Summer Term
Each term includes a half-term break, along with extended holidays at Christmas, Easter, and summer. Hampshire’s published timetable applies to community and voluntary controlled schools. Academies and independent schools may set flexible term dates and should be checked individually.
Hampshire Term Dates 2026–2027
Autumn Term 2026
- Term starts: Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Autumn half-term break: Monday 26 October 2026 to Friday 30 October 2026
- Term ends: Friday 18 December 2026
The autumn half-term break offers a short rest mid-way through the term before the Christmas holiday.
Spring Term 2027
- Term starts: Monday 4 January 2027
- Spring half-term break: Monday 15 February 2027 to Friday 19 February 2027
- Term ends: Thursday 25 March 2027
The spring term ends ahead of the Easter holiday. 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 break: 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 into August before the next academic year.
Bank and Public Holidays Affecting School Attendance
The following official bank holidays occur during the 2026–2027 academic year and affect school closures:
- Good Friday: Friday 26 March 2027
- Easter Monday: Monday 29 March 2027
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday 3 May 2027
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 31 May 2027
Schools in Hampshire remain closed on official bank holidays.
Who These Dates Apply To
The Hampshire school holidays 2026–2027 apply to:
- Community primary schools
- Voluntary controlled schools
- Local authority maintained secondary schools
Academies, free schools, and independent schools may choose alternative term dates, so check directly with the school your child attends.
INSET Days and School Closures
Hampshire schools schedule INSET (In-Service Training) days for staff training. On these days:
- Pupils do not attend school
- Teachers undertake professional development
- Parents may need additional childcare arrangements
INSET days are not included in the published term dates and vary by individual schools. Always check your child’s school calendar for these dates.
Attendance Rules and Term-Time Holidays
School attendance in England is legally monitored. Taking children out of school during term time without authorisation may lead to a fixed penalty notice or attendance concerns.
Parents should be aware that:
- Term-time holidays are rarely approved
- Penalty notices can be issued per parent, per child
- Unauthorised absence affects attendance records
Booking holidays during official school breaks such as half-terms or the summer break helps families avoid attendance issues.
Why Knowing Hampshire School Holiday Dates Matters
Having access to the Hampshire school holidays 2026–2027 calendar helps families:
- Plan childcare arrangements early
- Coordinate annual leave with employers
- Secure better travel pricing
- Prepare for exams and assessments
- Organise extracurricular commitments
Advance planning reduces stress and scheduling conflicts.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
1. Assuming All Schools Follow the Same Dates
Academies and free schools may publish alternative calendars.
2. Overlooking INSET Days
Training days are separate from published holiday periods and vary by school.
3. Booking Travel Before Confirming School Dates
Always check term dates with your child’s school before booking non-refundable travel.
4. Misunderstanding Easter Timing
Easter dates change each year. In 2027, Good Friday is 26 March.
5. Leaving Childcare Arrangements Too Late
Childcare services fill up quickly around major holidays.
FAQs: Hampshire School Holidays 2026–2027
When do Hampshire schools start in September 2026?
The autumn term starts on Tuesday 1 September 2026.
When is the February half-term break?
The spring half-term is from Monday 15 February to Friday 19 February 2027.
When do schools break up for summer 2027?
The summer holiday begins after Friday 23 July 2027.
Are bank holidays included in school closures?
Yes. Schools close on official bank holidays including Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Do all schools follow Hampshire County Council dates?
Not always. Academies and independent schools may operate different term dates.
Final Thoughts
The Hampshire school holidays 2026–2027 calendar provides a structured academic year from September 2026 to July 2027. With defined autumn, spring, and summer breaks, families can confidently organise childcare, travel, and work commitments.
Always confirm term dates and INSET days directly with your child’s school to avoid attendance or scheduling issues.