If you’re planning a move to the UK with school-aged children, the first thing you have to do is get on top of their school and holiday calendar for 2024. The education system in the UK is probably very different from the one you’re used to. You’ll need to adapt to a whole new schedule. That includes knowing when school starts and when the kids are off for the holidays.
In the UK, school holidays are your golden ticket to organising your year – from sorting out who’s going to look after the kids while you’re at work to booking that peaceful countryside retreat. So, if you want to avoid last-minute scrambles, grab your planners, and let’s get you up to speed on what to expect for the 2024 school holiday period.
The UK School Holiday System
You’ll need to know when the kids are free so you can sort out things like family trips, activities, and who’s going to watch them when you can’t. It’s not just about keeping them entertained, either. These breaks are important for their rest, relaxation, and time to be, well, kids. The UK school year has three main terms, each with a little break in the middle when school is off.
- Autumn Term. Starts in early September and runs up to December. In the middle, usually around late October, there’s a one-week half-term break. Then, there’s the big one – the Christmas holidays. This is a two-week break that spans the end of December and the beginning of January.
- Spring Term. After the kids have enjoyed their Christmas presents and you’ve all recovered from the festivities, they’ll head back to school in early January. There’s a half-term in February for a week, which is a great time for a quick family trip or staycation. The spring term then ends with the Easter holidays, which can be either two or three weeks, depending on the school’s calendar.
- Summer Term. This final stretch starts after Easter and goes on until July. There’s a May half-term that lasts for a week, and after that, it’s the long haul until the big summer holiday. Once school’s out in July, you’ve got six weeks of summer holidays to fill with activities, which is both exciting and, let’s be honest, a bit daunting.
| Term | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2024 | Monday 8 January | INSET Day: School closed for pupils |
| Tuesday 9 January | First day back for pupils | |
| 12 Feb – 16 Feb | Half Term | |
| Monday 19 February | First day back for pupils | |
| Thursday 28 March | Last day of term: 2.30pm finish | |
| Summer 2024 | Monday 15 April | INSET Day: School closed for pupils |
| Tuesday 16 April | First day back for pupils | |
| Monday 6 May | Bank Holiday: School closed for pupils | |
| 27 May – 31 May | Half Term | |
| Monday 3 June | INSET Day: School closed for pupils | |
| Tuesday 4 June | First day back for pupils | |
| Wednesday 24 July | Last day of term: 2.30pm finish |
Regional Differences Across the UK
So, while this gives you a general idea, it’s important to note that the exact dates can vary across the UK. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have individual educational jurisdictions, and they don’t always sync up.
For example, Scotland tends to start their autumn term in August, which is earlier than the rest of the UK. Plus, within each of these countries, local education authorities might set specific dates that could differ slightly from place to place.
You can always find the exact school and holiday dates on the website of your local council, or you can contact the school directly and maybe get their schedule. Keep an eye out for letters or emails from the school, too, as they’ll make sure you’re in the loop about any changes or additional days off.
Bank Holidays and Special Dates
Besides the school term times for 2024, you also have to keep an eye on the bank holidays and other special dates. Knowing on which date these will fall is a lifesaver for planning days out, managing vacation times, and sorting out who’s going to be on kid duty when school’s not in session.
- Good Friday (29 March). This is a public holiday in the UK. Schools will be closed, and many of you might have the day off work as well. It’s often a quiet day, with many people using the long weekend to kick-start their Easter break.
- Easter Monday (1 April). Just like Good Friday, Easter Monday is part of the Easter weekend. It’s a bank holiday, so there’s no school for the kids, and another day for you to have some family fun or even join a nationwide easter egg hunt.
- Early May Bank Holiday (6 May). Also known as May Day, it’s a day off that’s perfectly placed for a springtime family outing or a mini-break if you fancy it. It’s a chance to enjoy the hopefully nice weather and maybe attend community events that often happen on this day.
- Spring Bank Holiday (27 May). Another public holiday which always falls on the last Monday of May. The weather’s usually on our side by then, so it’s worth planning something outdoors.
- Summer Bank Holiday (26 August). The last bank holiday before Christmas, it’s your final opportunity to soak up the summer.
- Christmas Day (25 December). This is a day for presents, turkey, maybe a bit too much chocolate, and absolutely no school or work (unless you’re one of the amazing folks in essential services).
- Boxing Day (26 December). The day after Christmas, when you’re still full from the festive feast, is Boxing Day. It’s traditionally a time to chill out, munch on leftovers, or hit the sales if you’re feeling brave.
Final Thoughts
Juggling your schedule and the kid’s schedule can be a bit of a balancing act, especially if you have to learn all new holidays and days off of school. So, make sure to note every important date on your calendar for 2024. It’ll help you stay ahead of the game, regardless of whether you’re sorting childcare or plotting family getaways.
Think of it as your secret weapon for planning a year that’s as smooth as it is memorable for you and your children. Use these breaks to spend quality time together, maybe see new parts of the UK, or simply enjoy the comfort of home. It’s all about making the most of your time as a family — after all, the kids won’t be kids forever.
