School term dates and holidays 2017-2018 in the UK

When does the 2017/8 school year start?

Not every school follows the same date, in fact, many schools differ from each other, even if two schools are in the same county or district, their start dates may still be different. You should also bear in mind the difference between countries within the UK (such as England and Scotland) and the difference between state-funded schools (comprehensive, grammar and academy schools), independent schools (also known as private or public schools) and free schools (such as faith schools).

Why might my child’s Back to School date be different?

Many schools in the UK adjust their start date to accommodate new changes, for example, any renovation or maintenance that needs to be finished or teacher training, which can delay the school year starting up to a whole week later than others in the same area. It is also worth considering what year your child is in, secondary and primary schools do not often start at the same time and some secondary schools are known for starting year 7s a week before older students to allow them to get used to the new environment. Sixth-form students may also start at a later or earlier date than younger students as well, even if they attend the same school.

What’s the best way to check?

Ideally, you should check any information you may have access to from your child’s school as other sources can be less reliable. The quickest way to check when Back to School will start is to check their school’s website where they will likely have it posted. Be sure to look for any pages concerning the term schedule or a yearly calendar (this may be broken down into year groups or key stages). It is also worth looking through any letters and emails you may have received from your child’s school when the 2016/7 school year ended. If you didn’t receive anything at the end of the year, it may be a little early and closer to your child’s return date, the school may send a letter to notify you or remind you of the return date. If you are still not sure, it may be worth attempting to call them, however, as most schools are closed during the summer you may not receive a response.

Check state-funded schools by country

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have their own separate education systems and therefore do not all start the school year at the same time. Have a look below if your child attends a state-funded school – either a comprehensive, grammar or academy school.

Again please note, the dates mentioned below will vary council to council and the date provided is only approximate. Checking directly at your child’s school website is still the most effective option.

State Schools in England

The majority of schools in England started the six week summer holidays from the 21 July, though many also ended classes from the 26 and 27 July, and usually start roughly at the beginning of September.

Many schools in England will start the 2017/8 school year from Monday 4 September, though some may start up to a week earlier or later. Take a look at the table below:

You can also use direct.gov’s website to find your your school’s county to see when their school year starts by clicking here. Simply enter your school’s postcode and it will take you to the county’s webpage where you will be able to see all the school dates for the 2017/8 school year.

State Schools in Scotland

In Scotland, the majority of schools started their summer holidays at the end of June and many will start the next school year in mid-August.

Many schools in Scotland will start the 2017/8 school year from Tuesday 15 August, though some may start up to a week earlier or later. Take a look at the table below:

You can also use mygov.scot’s website to find your school’s council by clicking here, which will show you when the 2017/8 school year will start for your kids.

State Schools in Wales

The majority of schools in Wales, as in England, started the six week summer holidays from the 21st July and usually start roughly at the beginning of September.

Many schools in Wales will start the 2017/8 school year from Monday 4 September, though some may start up to a week earlier or later. Take a look at the table below:

You can also use direct.gov’s website to find your your school’s county to see when their school year starts by clicking here. Simply enter your school’s postcode and it will take you to the county’s webpage where you will be able to see all the school dates for the 2017/8 school year.

State Schools in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the majority of schools closed for the summer from the 1st of July and lessons will continue for many schools from the 1st of September.

Many schools in Northern Ireland will start the 2017/8 school year from Monday 4 September, though some may start up to a week earlier or later. Take a look at the table below:

You can check out the education-ni.gov website, which has posted all the school holidays for the 2017/8 school year.

Independent schools and free schools

If your child attends an independent (public or private) or a free school, your best option is to check your child’s school website as well as any correspondence you may have had from them. Independent and free schools have the power to choose their own term dates and while some loosely follow the same term schedule as state-funded schools, many can also be drastically different.