The academic calendar for Great Sankey High School for the 2025–2026 session has been carefully structured to ensure a productive and balanced year for students, teachers, and parents. The school has distributed terms and holidays in a way that supports consistent learning while allowing sufficient rest and preparation time for exams and extracurricular activities. Below is the complete and unique overview of the school’s term dates, INSET days, and bank holidays for the upcoming academic year.
Start of the Academic Year
The new school year at Great Sankey High School begins in September 2025, with staggered reopening dates for different year groups. This phased start helps students, particularly those entering new year levels, to settle in comfortably and adjust to their schedules.
- Year 7 students, who are new to the school, will return first on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025, at 8:20 AM. This early start allows staff to welcome and orient them before the rest of the school resumes.
- Years 11 and 13, who are in their examination years, will also begin on Wednesday, 3rd September at 9:45 AM. However, those arriving earlier due to school transport will be allowed to enter upon arrival.
- Years 8, 9, 10, and 12 will commence on Thursday, 4th September 2025, at 8:20 AM, marking the full reopening of the school for all students.
Autumn Term 2025
The Autumn Term forms the foundation of the academic year, focusing on new syllabuses, goal setting, and essential coursework.
- Term Opens: Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
- Closes for Half-Term: Friday, 24th October 2025
After a short mid-term break, classes resume for the second half:
- Reopens: Monday, 3rd November 2025
- Closes for Winter Break: Friday, 19th December 2025
This term includes essential school activities such as parent meetings, early mock tests, and festive celebrations before the Christmas holidays.
Spring Term 2026
The Spring Term focuses on strengthening academic progress and preparing students for end-of-year assessments.
- Opens: Tuesday, 6th January 2026
- Closes for Half-Term: Friday, 13th February 2026
After a week of rest, learning resumes:
- Reopens: Monday, 23rd February 2026
- Closes: Thursday, 2nd April 2026
The Spring Term often includes important coursework deadlines, revision sessions, and preparation for examinations. Students in Year 11 and Year 13 will especially find this term crucial for achieving their academic goals.
Summer Term 2026
The Summer Term concludes the academic year and is usually the most eventful period, featuring exams, sports, and end-of-year activities.
- Opens: Monday, 20th April 2026
- Closes for Half-Term: Friday, 22nd May 2026
After the break, the final half of the term begins:
- Reopens: Monday, 1st June 2026
- Ends for the Summer Holidays: Friday, 17th July 2026
Students finish their studies and prepare for summer enrichment programs or transitions to new academic stages.
INSET Days (Teacher Training Days)
INSET days are vital for teacher development and school planning. During these days, students do not attend school.
The scheduled INSET Days for 2025–2026 are:
- Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
- Monday, 5th January 2026
- Monday, 20th July 2026
- Tuesday, 21st July 2026
- Wednesday, 22nd July 2026
These days occur before and after major term periods to minimize disruption to student learning.
Bank Holiday
There will be a Bank Holiday on Monday, 4th May 2026, during which the school will remain closed. This national holiday provides a mid-term pause for students and staff to recharge before the busy end of the academic year.
Academic Planning and Support
Great Sankey High School places a strong emphasis on academic continuity. Parents are encouraged to plan family holidays outside term time to avoid missed learning opportunities. The school recommends students use holiday breaks for light revision, personal development, and participation in creative or athletic pursuits.
Throughout the year, students will have access to career guidance, mock exams, and enrichment sessions. Year 11 and Year 13 students, in particular, will receive focused academic mentoring in preparation for GCSEs and A-levels.
Why This Calendar Matters
The 2025–2026 academic calendar not only sets the schedule for the school year but also ensures that every student has a clear understanding of academic expectations. Teachers use these structured timelines to pace lessons effectively, ensuring curriculum coverage and exam readiness. Parents benefit from knowing key term dates, enabling them to plan ahead for transportation, childcare, and vacations.
Conclusion
The Great Sankey High School academic calendar for 2025–2026 is designed to provide structure, stability, and ample opportunities for academic and personal growth. With clearly defined term dates, teacher training days, and holidays, students can make the most of every learning opportunity. This well-balanced schedule ensures that both academic excellence and student well-being remain at the forefront of the school year.