Academic year 2026/27
East Lothian School Holidays
The full 2026/27 school calendar for East Lothian schools. The new term starts 17 August 2026 and the year ends 25 June 2027. The summer holiday runs from 28 June 2027 to 13 August 2027 — 47 days. East Lothian has 3 in-service days when schools are closed to pupils for staff training.
East Lothian school holidays 2026/27 — at a glance
- October break
- 12 Oct – 16 Oct
- Christmas
- 21 Dec – 5 Jan
- February break
- 15 Feb – 16 Feb
- Easter
- 5 Apr – 16 Apr
- Summer
- 28 Jun – 13 Aug
Academic year at a glance
Term dates summary
Autumn term
17 Aug – 11 Oct
38 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn In-Service | 14 September 2026 | 15 September 2026 | 2 | In-service | — |
| 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 | 15 February 2027 | 16 February 2027 | 2 | Holiday | England doesn't have this |
| February In-Service | 17 February 2027 | 17 February 2027 | 1 | In-service | — |
| Easter Holiday | 5 April 2027 | 16 April 2027 | 12 | Holiday | Roughly aligns with English Easter |
| May Day | 3 May 2027 | 3 May 2027 | 1 | Holiday | Same across UK |
| May In-Service | 6 May 2027 | 6 May 2027 | 1 | In-service | — |
| Summer Holiday | 28 June 2027 | 13 August 2027 | 47 | Holiday | Starts 3–4 weeks earlier than England |
Council links
Frequently asked questions
When do schools go back in East Lothian for 2026/27?
Schools in East Lothian return for the 2026/27 academic year on 17 August 2026. This is the official term-start date used by council-managed primary and secondary schools across East Lothian.
When is the October break in East Lothian 2026/27?
The October break in East Lothian runs from 12 October 2026 to 16 October 2026 inclusive. Schools return the following school day.
When are the Christmas school holidays in East Lothian?
East Lothian 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 East Lothian 2026/27?
The Easter holiday in East Lothian runs from 5 April 2027 to 16 April 2027 inclusive.
When does the summer holiday start in East Lothian?
East Lothian 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 East Lothian have in 2026/27?
East Lothian has 3 published in-service days in the 2026/27 academic year. On an in-service day schools are closed to pupils but staff are in for training and planning.
Related guides
Places to stay in East Lothian
Book a break around the school holidays.
The School Bell
Weekly Scottish-education updates
Deadlines, benefit rate changes and the stuff you actually need to know — no spam.
Dates last checked April 2026.
Dates follow the typical East Lothian regional pattern. Always confirm with East Lothian before booking holidays, flights or childcare. See our editorial policy for how we source this data.