Guides to the Scottish school year
These guides cover each school holiday in Scotland for 2026/27, with dates for every council. The October break starts on Monday 12 October 2026 in most councils.
All guides
October week 2026 in Scotland
October week 2026 starts on Monday 12 October in most Scottish councils.
Christmas school holidays 2026 in Scotland
Scottish schools break up for Christmas between Friday 18 and Wednesday 23 December 2026.
February holidays 2027 in Scotland
The February break in 2027 falls between Monday 8 and Monday 22 February, depending on the council.
Easter holidays 2027 in Scotland
Easter Sunday 2027 is 28 March.
Summer holidays 2027 in Scotland
Scottish schools break up for summer 2027 between Friday 25 June and Friday 2 July, depending on the council.
When do Scottish schools go back?
After Christmas, most Scottish schools go back on Tuesday 5 January 2027.
In-service (inset) days in Scotland 2026/27
Every Scottish council has five in-service days in 2026/27, often called inset days.
Young Scot card: free bus travel and how to apply
The Young Scot National Entitlement Card is free for anyone aged 11 to 25 who lives in Scotland.
School holidays
- October week: which councils take one week and which take two.
- Christmas holidays: break-up days from 18 to 23 December 2026, and return dates in January 2027.
- February holidays: the mid-term break, from 2 to 6 days depending on the council.
- Easter holidays: spring break dates for 2027, with Good Friday and Easter Monday.
- Summer holidays: when schools break up in 2027 and how long the break lasts.
Term dates
- When do schools go back: return dates after each holiday, by council.
- In-service days: the five days each council closes to pupils, and why they differ.
For young people
- Young Scot card: what the card is, who can get one and what it gives you.
Each guide shows the date we last checked the council calendars. Dates come from each council's own published calendar. Check with your school before booking travel, as in-service days can move.
Quick answers
- When are the main school holidays in Scotland in 2026/27?
Most councils break for October from Monday 12 October 2026, and for Christmas between 18 and 23 December. Most Easter breaks start on 26 March or 5 April 2027. Summer starts between 25 June and 2 July 2027.
- Are school holidays the same across Scotland?
No. Each of the 32 councils sets its own dates, so holidays and in-service days differ.
- Where do the dates in these guides come from?
From each council's own published calendar, with bank holidays from GOV.UK.