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School term and holiday dates

Please note: these term dates are for guidance only. Some schools set their own term dates or agree minor local variations so you should also consult your school's own website for their individual school dates. 

We are responsible for setting dates for community and voluntary controlled schools. In the interests of consistency for families across the borough, we would recommend the adoption of these dates by voluntary aided, foundation, academy and free schools.

Term and holiday dates for the academic year 2023-2024

Autumn 2023

  • Monday 4 September – Friday 20 October (35 days)
  • Half term: Monday 23 October – Friday 27 October
  • Monday 30 October – Friday 15 December (35 days)
  • Christmas holiday: Monday 18 December – Monday 1 January

Spring 2024

  • Tuesday 2 January – Friday 16 February (34 days)
  • Half term: Monday 19 February – Friday 23 February
  • Monday 26 February – Thursday 28 March (24 days)
  • Spring break: Friday 29 March – Friday 12 April (includes Easter bank holidays)

Summer 2024

  • Monday 15 April – Friday 24 May (29 days)
  • Bank Holiday: Monday 6 May
  • Half term: Monday 27 May – Friday 31 May
  • Monday 3 June – Wednesday 24 July (38 days)
  • Summer holiday: Thursday 25 July – Monday 2 September

Return to school: Monday 2 September 2024

The Education (School Day and School Year) (England) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No. 3181) requires schools to have at least 380 half-day sessions (190 days) in each school year, beginning with the first term to start after July. This is consistent with the 195 days a year required by a teacher's statutory conditions of service: the additional five days are for in-service training (known as INSET days).

The governing body of a school is responsible for setting five INSET days out of the school calendar. The school should communicate this information to parents – via such channels as a letter and/or school newsletter and also publish it on the school website. They should also provide this information to their local authority.

  • Where schools have more than fifty percent of pupils from a neighbouring local authority (LA) they will be permitted to align their term and holiday dates with that LA
  • Voluntary controlled primary schools are permitted to align their dates with the aided secondary school for which they are a named feeder school

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