Getting your diary ready for the new school year is always easier when you know exactly when the terms and holidays fall. Whether you’re a parent scheduling family trips, a student planning revision time, or a teacher preparing for lessons, the Kent County Council 2025–2026 term dates give everyone a clear structure for the year ahead.
Kent schools follow a six-term calendar, with well-spaced holidays that let students learn effectively and still enjoy time to rest. Below is a complete overview of each term and its key breaks for the coming academic year.
Autumn Term 2025 – A Fresh Beginning
- Term starts: Monday 1 September 2025
- Term ends: Friday 17 October 2025
The school year begins with the excitement of a new start in September. Pupils return after the summer holidays ready to meet new classmates, teachers, and challenges. The focus is often on settling back into routines and setting goals for the year.
After seven busy weeks of classes and early autumn activities, the first major break of the year arrives.
Autumn Term (Second Half) 2025
- Starts: Monday 27 October 2025
- Ends: Friday 19 December 2025
As autumn deepens, students dive into new topics and prepare for end-of-term assessments. Schools are often filled with creative events, from harvest celebrations to Christmas plays.
The term concludes just before the festive season, leading straight into the Christmas holidays. This break is perfect for family gatherings, winter trips, and some well-deserved rest.
🎄 Christmas Holiday
- Monday 22 December 2025 – Friday 2 January 2026
Kent schools close for two weeks over Christmas and New Year, giving everyone time to unwind. With Christmas Day on 25 December and Boxing Day on 26 December, followed by New Year’s Day on 1 January, the break is ideally timed for the festive period.
Spring Term 2026 – A New Year of Learning
- Starts: Monday 5 January 2026
- Ends: Friday 13 February 2026
January brings a new start for everyone, as schools reopen after the holiday season. This half of the spring term is all about rebuilding focus and working toward mid-year goals. Students often take part in winter clubs, sports, and enrichment projects that energize the new term.
Spring Term (Second Half) 2026
- Starts: Monday 23 February 2026
- Ends: Thursday 2 April 2026
This term brings a burst of progress before Easter. With longer daylight hours and milder weather, schools shift gears into project work, performances, and preparation for upcoming assessments.
The term wraps up right before Good Friday (3 April 2026) and Easter Monday (6 April 2026), which fall within the Easter break.
Easter Holiday
- Monday 6 April 2026 – Friday 17 April 2026
The Easter break offers two weeks of spring relaxation. Families often travel or enjoy Kent’s countryside and coastal areas during this pleasant time of year.
Summer Term 2026 – Moving Forward
- Starts: Monday 20 April 2026
- Ends: Friday 22 May 2026
Summer term opens with a sense of energy and excitement. Students prepare for upcoming exams, field trips, and outdoor activities.
A bank holiday on Monday 4 May 2026 provides a welcome long weekend, giving everyone a short rest before diving back into studies.
After the final week in May, students enjoy the late-spring half-term break — a short pause before the busiest part of the year begins.
Summer Term (Second Half) 2026 – The Grand Finish
- Starts: Monday 1 June 2026
- Ends: Tuesday 21 July 2026
As the weather turns warmer, the final stretch of the school year begins. Exams conclude, sports days fill the calendar, and schools host end-of-year celebrations.
The Late May Bank Holiday (25 May 2026) arrives just before term begins, giving families one extra day to recharge.
When the final school bell rings on 21 July 2026, students step into the long summer holiday, ready for rest, adventures, and time outdoors before returning in September for a brand-new school year.
Bank Holidays Within the School Year
Several public holidays fall within the academic year:
- 25 August 2025 – Summer Bank Holiday (before term starts)
- 25 December 2025 – Christmas Day
- 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day
- 1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day
- 3 April 2026 – Good Friday
- 6 April 2026 – Easter Monday
- 4 May 2026 – Early May Bank Holiday
- 25 May 2026 – Late May Bank Holiday
- 31 August 2026 – Summer Bank Holiday (after term ends)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When do Kent schools reopen after summer 2025?
Schools reopen on Monday 1 September 2025 to begin the new academic year.
2. When are the Christmas holidays in 2025?
Christmas holidays run from Monday 22 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026.
3. When is the Easter break in 2026?
The Easter holidays begin Monday 6 April 2026 and continue for two weeks.
4. When does the Kent school year end?
The final school day of the 2025–26 year is Tuesday 21 July 2026.
5. Do all Kent schools follow the same calendar?
Most do, but academies, free schools, and voluntary-aided schools may adjust certain dates, especially INSET days.
6. Are INSET days part of the holidays?
No, they are separate training days for teachers and not included in student holidays.
Final Thoughts
The Kent school term and holiday calendar for 2025–2026 offers a balanced rhythm of learning and rest, giving students time to grow academically while still enjoying family life and seasonal breaks. With clear dates for each term, parents can plan holidays confidently, teachers can prepare lessons effectively, and students can focus on achieving their goals.