Academic year 2026/27
City of Edinburgh School Holidays
The full 2026/27 school calendar for City of Edinburgh schools. The new term starts 19 August 2026 and the year ends 25 June 2027. The summer holiday runs from 28 June 2027 to 13 August 2027 — 47 days. City of Edinburgh has 1 in-service day when schools are closed to pupils for staff training.
City of Edinburgh school holidays 2026/27 — at a glance
- October break
- 12 Oct – 16 Oct
- Christmas
- 21 Dec – 5 Jan
- February break
- 8 Feb – 9 Feb
- Easter
- 5 Apr – 16 Apr
- Summer
- 28 Jun – 13 Aug
Academic year at a glance
Term dates summary
Autumn term
19 Aug – 11 Oct
36 school days
Winter term
17 Oct – 20 Dec
45 school days
Spring term
6 Jan – 4 Apr
60 school days
Summer term
17 Apr – 25 Jun
48 school days
| Period | Starts | Ends | Days | Type | vs England |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September Weekend | 18 September 2026 | 21 September 2026 | 4 | Holiday | — |
| October Holiday | 12 October 2026 | 16 October 2026 | 5 | Holiday | Aligns with English half-term |
| Christmas Holiday | 21 December 2026 | 5 January 2027 | 16 | Holiday | Similar dates to England |
| February Holiday | 8 February 2027 | 9 February 2027 | 2 | Holiday | England doesn't have this |
| February In-Service | 10 February 2027 | 10 February 2027 | 1 | In-service | — |
| Easter Holiday | 5 April 2027 | 16 April 2027 | 12 | Holiday | Roughly aligns with English Easter |
| May Bank Holiday | 3 May 2027 | 3 May 2027 | 1 | Holiday | Same across UK |
| Victoria Day | 24 May 2027 | 24 May 2027 | 1 | Holiday | — |
| Summer Holiday | 28 June 2027 | 13 August 2027 | 47 | Holiday | Starts 3–4 weeks earlier than England |
Frequently asked questions
When do schools go back in City of Edinburgh for 2026/27?
Schools in City of Edinburgh return for the 2026/27 academic year on 19 August 2026. This is the official term-start date used by council-managed primary and secondary schools across City of Edinburgh.
When is the October break in City of Edinburgh 2026/27?
The October break in City of Edinburgh runs from 12 October 2026 to 16 October 2026 inclusive. Schools return the following school day.
When are the Christmas school holidays in City of Edinburgh?
City of Edinburgh schools close for the Christmas holiday from 21 December 2026 and return on the school day after 5 January 2027.
When is the Easter holiday in City of Edinburgh 2026/27?
The Easter holiday in City of Edinburgh runs from 5 April 2027 to 16 April 2027 inclusive.
When does the summer holiday start in City of Edinburgh?
City of Edinburgh schools break up for the summer on 28 June 2027 and return for the new academic year on 13 August 2027 or the school day after, depending on in-service day scheduling.
How many in-service days does City of Edinburgh have in 2026/27?
City of Edinburgh has 1 published in-service day in the 2026/27 academic year. On an in-service day schools are closed to pupils but staff are in for training and planning.
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Dates last checked April 2026.
Dates follow the typical City of Edinburgh regional pattern. Always confirm with City of Edinburgh before booking holidays, flights or childcare. See our editorial policy for how we source this data.