Academic year 2026/27
Highland School Holidays
The full 2026/27 school calendar for Highland schools. The new term starts 18 August 2026 and the year ends 2 July 2027. The summer holiday runs from 5 July 2027 to 16 August 2027 — 43 days.
Highland school holidays 2026/27 — at a glance
- October break
- 12 Oct – 23 Oct
- Christmas
- 21 Dec – 5 Jan
- February break
- 8 Feb – 9 Feb
- Easter
- 5 Apr – 16 Apr
- Summer
- 5 Jul – 16 Aug
Academic year at a glance
Term dates summary
Autumn term
18 Aug – 11 Oct
39 school days
Winter term
24 Oct – 20 Dec
40 school days
Spring term
6 Jan – 4 Apr
61 school days
Summer term
17 Apr – 2 Jul
54 school days
| Period | Starts | Ends | Days | Type | vs England |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October Holiday | 12 October 2026 | 23 October 2026 | 12 | Holiday | Aligns with English half-term |
| Christmas Holiday | 21 December 2026 | 5 January 2027 | 16 | Holiday | Similar dates to England |
| February Break | 8 February 2027 | 9 February 2027 | 2 | Holiday | England doesn't have this |
| 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 |
| Summer Holiday | 5 July 2027 | 16 August 2027 | 43 | Holiday | Starts 3–4 weeks earlier than England |
Frequently asked questions
When do schools go back in Highland for 2026/27?
Schools in Highland return for the 2026/27 academic year on 18 August 2026. This is the official term-start date used by council-managed primary and secondary schools across Highland.
When is the October break in Highland 2026/27?
The October break in Highland runs from 12 October 2026 to 23 October 2026 inclusive. Schools return the following school day.
When are the Christmas school holidays in Highland?
Highland 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 Highland 2026/27?
The Easter holiday in Highland runs from 5 April 2027 to 16 April 2027 inclusive.
When does the summer holiday start in Highland?
Highland schools break up for the summer on 5 July 2027 and return for the new academic year on 16 August 2027 or the school day after, depending on in-service day scheduling.
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Dates last checked April 2026.
Dates follow the typical Highland regional pattern. Always confirm with Highland before booking holidays, flights or childcare. See our editorial policy for how we source this data.