South Lanarkshire school holidays 2026–2027 outline the official term dates and scheduled break periods for primary, secondary, and additional support needs schools managed by South Lanarkshire Council in Scotland. These dates determine when pupils are expected to attend school and when holiday periods occur throughout the academic year.
Understanding the South Lanarkshire school calendar helps families plan childcare, organise annual leave, and schedule travel without disrupting school attendance.
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What South Lanarkshire School Holidays 2026–2027 Mean
Scottish schools operate a four-term academic calendar. The school year generally begins in mid-August and concludes in late June. The structure includes:
- An autumn term with a mid-October holiday
- 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 staff training. Pupils do not attend school on these days.
These dates apply to local authority maintained schools in South Lanarkshire. Independent schools may operate different calendars.
South Lanarkshire 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 is on 26 March and Easter Monday on 29 March. These dates fall 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:
- 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
Schools remain closed on official public holidays.
Who These Dates Apply To
South Lanarkshire school holidays 2026–2027 apply to:
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Additional support needs schools
- Local authority maintained establishments
Independent schools within South Lanarkshire may operate different term calendars.
In-Service Days and Staff Training
South Lanarkshire schools schedule 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 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 require written explanations for absence
- Consistent attendance supports academic success
Booking travel during official school holiday periods helps avoid complications.
Why Knowing South Lanarkshire Term Dates Matters
Access to the South Lanarkshire 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 academic calendars 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 with the school before making non-refundable plans.
4. Overlooking Local September Weekend Holidays
September breaks can vary between councils.
5. Leaving Childcare Arrangements Too Late
Holiday childcare services fill up quickly, especially during summer.
FAQs: South Lanarkshire School Holidays 2026–2027
When do South Lanarkshire schools start in August 2026?
Pupils return to school on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
When is the October holiday in 2026?
The autumn 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 official public holidays like Good Friday, Easter Monday, and May Day.
Do all South Lanarkshire schools follow these dates?
Council-run schools follow this calendar. Independent schools may operate different term schedules.
Final Thoughts
The South Lanarkshire 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.