Academic year 2026/27
Orkney Islands School Holidays
The full 2026/27 school calendar for Orkney Islands schools, including in-service days. Term starts 17 August 2026 and ends 25 June 2027. Always confirm with your school before booking anything — councils occasionally update dates.
| Period | Starts | Ends | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn In-Service | 14 September 2026 | 15 September 2026 | In-service |
| October Holiday | 12 October 2026 | 16 October 2026 | Holiday |
| Christmas Holiday | 21 December 2026 | 5 January 2027 | Holiday |
| February Holiday | 15 February 2027 | 16 February 2027 | Holiday |
| February In-Service | 17 February 2027 | 17 February 2027 | In-service |
| Easter Holiday | 5 April 2027 | 16 April 2027 | Holiday |
| May Day | 3 May 2027 | 3 May 2027 | Holiday |
| May In-Service | 6 May 2027 | 6 May 2027 | In-service |
| Summer Holiday | 28 June 2027 | 13 August 2027 | Holiday |
Frequently asked questions
When do schools go back in Orkney Islands for 2026/27?
Schools in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.
When is the October break in Orkney Islands 2026/27?
The October break in Orkney Islands runs from 12 October 2026 to 16 October 2026 inclusive. Schools return the following school day.
When are the Christmas school holidays in Orkney Islands?
Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands 2026/27?
The Easter holiday in Orkney Islands runs from 5 April 2027 to 16 April 2027 inclusive.
When does the summer holiday start in Orkney Islands?
Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands have in 2026/27?
Orkney Islands 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.