Families in Leeds can now plan ahead with the full list of school term and holiday dates for 2025–2026. These dates are set by Leeds City Council for local authority–maintained schools.
Please note: academies, foundation, free and voluntary-aided schools may use different term patterns, so always confirm with your individual school.
Autumn Term 2025
| Term or Holiday | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn term (first half) | Monday 1 September 2025 | Friday 24 October 2025 |
| Half term | Monday 27 October 2025 | Friday 31 October 2025 |
| Autumn term (second half) | Monday 3 November 2025 | Friday 19 December 2025 |
| Christmas holiday | Monday 22 December 2025 | Friday 2 January 2026 |
Overview:
The new school year begins on 1 September 2025, with students attending until 24 October before breaking for half term. After the short autumn break, schools reopen on 3 November, continuing through to 19 December. The Christmas holidays then run from 22 December 2025 to 2 January 2026.
Spring Term 2026
| Term or Holiday | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Spring term (first half) | Monday 5 January 2026 | Friday 13 February 2026 |
| Half term | Monday 16 February 2026 | Friday 20 February 2026 |
| Spring term (second half) | Monday 23 February 2026 | Thursday 2 April 2026 |
| Easter holiday | Friday 3 April 2026 | Friday 17 April 2026 |
Overview:
The Spring Term starts right after the new year, on Monday 5 January 2026. Students will then enjoy a mid-term break from 16–20 February. The second half of the term runs from 23 February to 2 April, followed by the Easter holidays, which last from 3 April to 17 April 2026.
Summer Term 2026
| Term or Holiday | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Summer term (first half) | Monday 20 April 2026 | Friday 22 May 2026 |
| May Day bank holiday | Monday 4 May 2026 | Monday 4 May 2026 |
| Half term | Monday 25 May 2026 | Friday 29 May 2026 |
| Summer term (second half) | Monday 1 June 2026 | Tuesday 21 July 2026 |
| Summer holidays | Wednesday 22 July 2026 | Friday 28 August 2026 |
Overview:
The Summer Term opens on Monday 20 April 2026 and includes a May Day bank holiday on 4 May.
Half term follows later in the season from 25–29 May. Classes resume on 1 June, running through to Tuesday 21 July 2026. The long summer holiday begins Wednesday 22 July and continues until Friday 28 August 2026, marking the end of the academic year.
Summary of Leeds School Year 2025–26
- Autumn Term: 1 September – 19 December 2025
- Spring Term: 5 January – 2 April 2026
- Summer Term: 20 April – 21 July 2026
- Main Holidays:
- Christmas: 22 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026
- Easter: 3 Apr – 17 Apr 2026
- Summer: 22 Jul – 28 Aug 2026
- Half Terms: Late October, mid-February, and late May
- May Day Bank Holiday: Monday 4 May 2026
Important Notes
- Leeds City Council’s published term dates apply to community and voluntary controlled schools.
- Academies, free schools, and voluntary aided schools can choose different term times and may vary slightly.
- Each school has five inset (teacher training) days during the year. These are set by the school and may alter opening or closing days slightly.
- Bank holidays are observed within term time and schools will be closed accordingly.
Why These Dates Matter
Planning school holidays early allows parents to coordinate travel, childcare, and work schedules. Knowing the Leeds term pattern also helps teachers and local services plan community programmes, revision sessions, and enrichment activities. The city aims to keep school dates consistent year to year so that families can organize holidays well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do all Leeds schools follow these exact dates?
Not always. Most local authority schools do, but academies and faith schools might adopt different calendars. Check your school’s website for confirmation.
2. How many weeks are there in the Leeds school year?
There are typically 39 teaching weeks, split across three main terms.
3. What are inset or training days?
Inset days are staff development days when pupils do not attend school. Schools decide their own inset days, so they can differ between institutions.
4. When does the summer holiday start in 2026?
The summer break begins on Wednesday 22 July 2026.
5. Are bank holidays included in these term dates?
Yes. The May Day Bank Holiday on Monday 4 May 2026 is already included.
6. Where can parents check official updates?
Visit the Leeds City Council’s education page:
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-holidays-and-term-dates