When do children go back to school? 2023-24 term times explained and how long the summer holidays last
The majority of children across the UK will now be enjoying the summer holidays, which started last week for most students in England.
All students in state schools enjoy the year’s biggest break from education over the summer months, lasting for around six weeks.
Independent schools tend to have longer summer holidays, with dates varying between schools. Check the school’s website for exact dates for individual institutions.
When do children return to school?
For many the return to school this autumn is likely to be around Monday 4 September but this will again depend on each school or local education authority (LEA).
In Scotland, pupils go back in mid-August because of the earlier break-up for summer holidays.
This year the date is expected to be on or near to Wednesday 16 August but can be verified on the school or LEA website.
In Northern Ireland, schools return on Friday 1 September.
When are the school holidays in 2023-24?
Once again, in England and Wales, term and holiday dates may differ by local authority, but the majority are following this pattern:
Autumn term 2023
- Start of term: Monday 4 September, 2023
- Half term: Monday 23 October to Friday 27 October, 2023
- End of term: Thursday 21 December, 2023
- Christmas holiday: Friday 22 December, 2023 to Friday 5 January, 2024
Spring term 2024
- Start of term: Monday 8 January, 2024
- Half term: Monday 12 February to Friday 16 February, 2024
- End of term: Thursday 28 March, 2024
- Easter holiday: Friday 29 March – Friday 12 April, 2024
Summer term 2024
- Start of term: Monday 15 April, 2024
- May day: Monday 6 May, 2024
- Half term: Monday 27 May to Friday 31 May, 2024
- End of term: Monday 29 July, 2024
Pupils will also be off on bank holidays.
Here are the school holiday dates for Scotland:
Autumn term 2023
- Start of term: Wednesday 16 August, 2023
- Half term: Monday 9 October to Monday 16 October, 2023
- End of term: Thursday 23 December, 2023
- Christmas holiday: Friday 24 December, 2023 to Friday 5 January, 2024
Spring term 2024
- Start of term: Monday 8 January, 2024
- Half term: Monday 12 February 2024 to Friday 16 February, 2024
- End of term: Thursday 28 March, 2024
- Easter holiday: Friday 29 March, 2024 to Friday 12 April, 2024
Summer term 2024
- Start of term: Monday 15 April, 2024
- May day: Monday 6 May, 2024
- End of term: Friday 28 June, 2024
Here are the school holiday dates for Northern Ireland:
Autumn term 2023
- Start of term: Friday 1 September, 2023
- End of term: Thursday 21 December, 2023
- Christmas holiday: Friday 22 December, 2023 to Tuesday 2 January, 2024
Spring term 2024
- Start of term: Wednesday 3 January, 2024
- Mid-term: Thursday 15 February, 2024 to Friday 16 February, 2024
- End of term: Wednesday 27 March, 2024
- Easter holiday: Thursday 28 March, 2024 to Thursday 4 April, 2024
Summer term 2024
- Start of term: Friday 5 April, 2024
- May day: Monday 6 May, 2024
- End of term: Friday 28 June, 2024
