The Birmingham Council School Year 2025–2026 is carefully planned to balance learning and rest, ensuring that students, parents, and teachers have a well-structured schedule throughout the academic year. The school calendar is divided into three main terms — Autumn, Spring, and Summer — each separated by half-term breaks and holiday periods. This schedule allows pupils to focus on studies while still enjoying plenty of opportunities for family time and relaxation.
Autumn Term 2025
The new academic year in Birmingham begins in September 2025, marking the start of the Autumn Term.
- Term starts: Monday 1 September 2025
- Half-term break: Monday 27 October to Friday 31 October 2025
- Term ends: Friday 19 December 2025
The first term sets the tone for the school year. Students return refreshed after the summer holidays, ready to engage in a wide range of subjects and co-curricular activities. The half-term in late October provides a short pause midway through the busy term, giving both pupils and staff time to recharge. As the festive season approaches, the term concludes just before Christmas, allowing families to prepare for the winter holidays.
Christmas Holiday 2025
Following the end of the Autumn Term, schools will close for the Christmas break, offering a well-deserved rest after a productive start to the year. This holiday is also a chance for students to review what they have learned and prepare for the upcoming Spring Term.
Spring Term 2026
The Spring Term kicks off the new calendar year with renewed focus and motivation.
- Term starts: Monday 5 January 2026
- Half-term break: Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February 2026
- Term ends: Friday 27 March 2026
The early months of the year bring a renewed sense of learning and growth. Teachers often focus on key curriculum areas during this period, preparing students for mid-year assessments. The February half-term offers families an opportunity for short winter trips or simply a time to relax at home before resuming studies. As the days grow longer, the term ends just before Easter, leading into a short spring break.
Easter Holiday 2026
The Easter holidays typically follow the end of the Spring Term, giving students and staff time to enjoy seasonal festivities and a break before the Summer Term begins. It’s a popular time for outdoor activities as the weather begins to warm up.
Summer Term 2026
The final term of the school year, the Summer Term, is filled with excitement, achievements, and preparation for the next academic step.
- Term starts: Monday 13 April 2026
- Half-term break: Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May 2026
- Term ends: Monday 20 July 2026
This term includes many important events, from sports days and year-end projects to exams and graduation ceremonies for older students. The May half-term offers a short respite in the middle of this lively period. By July, students and teachers look forward to the long summer holiday, marking the successful completion of another academic year.
Summer Holiday 2026
After the Summer Term concludes on Monday 20 July 2026, the summer holiday begins — the longest break of the school year. This extended vacation allows families to travel, children to explore hobbies, and teachers to rest and prepare for the upcoming academic year.
Key Highlights of the Birmingham Council Academic Calendar 2025–26
- The school year begins on 1 September 2025 and ends on 20 July 2026.
- Each term includes a one-week half-term break, strategically placed to ensure students maintain focus and energy.
- Major holidays include Christmas, Easter, and the Summer break.
- Schools typically close on public holidays, which may slightly adjust the exact schedule for individual institutions.
Why School Calendars Matter
Having a clear school calendar helps parents plan family activities, childcare, and vacations around term times. It also allows students to set goals for each term and teachers to structure their curriculum effectively. Birmingham Council encourages families to check with individual schools for any inset or teacher training days, as these can differ between schools.
Tips for Parents and Students
- Plan ahead: Note all term dates and breaks early in the year to avoid last-minute adjustments.
- Balance work and rest: Encourage children to rest well during holidays to return refreshed.
- Stay updated: Check the Birmingham Council’s official education website for any future amendments or weather-related closures.
Conclusion
The Birmingham Council School Term Dates 2025–2026 provide a balanced structure that supports both academic achievement and personal well-being. With clearly defined terms, holidays, and breaks, the schedule ensures that students have plenty of opportunities to learn, grow, and enjoy their school life. Families can confidently plan their year knowing when school sessions begin and end, making the academic year smoother and more organized for everyone involved.