Planning ahead for the school year makes life smoother for students, teachers, and parents. Whether you’re looking to organize a family getaway, book childcare, or simply enjoy some downtime, knowing the North Lanarkshire school holidays and term dates for 2025–2026 helps everyone stay on track.
Below, you’ll find all the key dates along with fun and practical ideas for how to make the most of each break.
August 2025 – Back to School Excitement
The school year officially begins in August 2025 after the long summer holiday. Teachers kick things off with in-service days before pupils return.
- Tuesday 12 August 2025: Teachers return (In-service day)
- Wednesday 13 August 2025: Additional in-service training
- Thursday 14 August 2025: Pupils return – new term begins
Planning tip:
Get ready early! This is the perfect time to establish good routines — organize school supplies, uniforms, and transport schedules. Families might also enjoy one last summer weekend getaway before term starts — perhaps a visit to Strathclyde Country Park or a day trip to Loch Lomond.
September 2025 – The September Weekend Break
A short break arrives at the end of September, giving students and staff a well-deserved long weekend.
- Friday 26 September and Monday 29 September 2025: September Weekend Holiday
What to do:
Use this long weekend for mini adventures — explore Chatelherault Country Park, go cycling along the Clyde Walkway, or enjoy local festivals happening across North Lanarkshire. For a relaxed family time, plan a movie night or barbecue at home before the autumn chill sets in.
October 2025 – Autumn Mid-Term Holiday
The October Week offers a full break for everyone after a busy start to the school year.
- Monday 13 October – Friday 17 October 2025: October Week
How to enjoy it:
Autumn is a great time for nature walks, pumpkin picking, or visiting the Scottish Owl Centre near Bathgate. Families might plan a few days away in Ayrshire or the Highlands, or simply enjoy arts and crafts indoors. It’s also a good time for parents to check on academic progress before winter exams.
November 2025 – Professional Development Day
- Monday 17 November 2025: In-service day (Schools closed to pupils)
For parents:
Use this one-day closure to schedule family appointments, dentist visits, or a quiet day out. Many local museums and leisure centres offer weekday discounts — perfect for a short parent-child outing.
December 2025 – Festive Season and Christmas Holidays
The most magical time of the year arrives!
- Schools close at 2:30 pm on Thursday 18 December 2025
- Friday 19 December 2025 – Friday 2 January 2026: Christmas and New Year Holidays
Holiday ideas:
Enjoy Christmas markets, ice skating, and festive light displays in nearby Glasgow. For quieter celebrations, bake treats with the kids or create handmade gifts. Don’t forget to plan some rest days between parties to recharge before school returns in January.
January 2026 – New Term, New Goals
- Monday 5 January 2026: Schools return
Motivation tip:
Start the year with a positive mindset! Encourage kids to set learning goals and perhaps join new clubs or after-school activities. Parents can plan healthy meal routines and encourage balanced screen time after the holiday break.
February 2026 – Mid-Term Refresh
- Monday 16 February 2026: Mid-term holiday
- Tuesday 17 February 2026: Mid-term holiday
- Wednesday 18 February 2026: In-service day
How to spend it:
This short mid-term break is perfect for local winter fun. Try sledging if there’s snow, visit Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, or simply plan a cozy movie marathon at home. It’s also a good time to check progress before spring assessments.
April 2026 – Spring and Easter Break
- Schools close at 2:30 pm on Thursday 2 April 2026
- Friday 3 April – Friday 17 April 2026: Spring Holiday (Easter)
- Monday 20 April 2026: Schools return
Spring planning ideas:
This two-week break is ideal for family trips or Easter celebrations. Explore Culzean Castle, plan a picnic at Drumpellier Country Park, or visit relatives. Students can also use part of this break to revise for upcoming exams — just balance study time with outdoor fun.
May 2026 – Long Weekends and In-Service Day
May brings several short breaks — great for early summer activities.
- Monday 4 May 2026: May Day Holiday
- Thursday 7 May 2026: In-service day (linked to Scottish Parliamentary election – subject to change)
- Friday 22 May and Monday 25 May 2026: May Weekend Holidays
Make it fun:
Plan outdoor barbecues, visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, or take day trips to nearby beaches in Largs or Ayr. These short breaks are excellent for fresh air before the final push of the academic year.
June 2026 – Summer Holidays Begin
- Schools close at 1:00 pm on Friday 26 June 2026
Summer inspiration:
This is the longest break of the year — time for family adventures! Try camping in Trossachs National Park, beach holidays on the Scottish west coast, or fun learning activities at home like gardening and summer reading challenges. For older pupils, summer jobs or volunteering can help build new skills before returning in August.
Quick Glance at Key Dates
| Term / Event | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Teachers return | Tue 12 Aug 2025 | In-service day |
| Staff training | Wed 13 Aug 2025 | In-service day |
| Pupils return | Thu 14 Aug 2025 | Start of new term |
| September Weekend | Fri 26 & Mon 29 Sep 2025 | Short break |
| October Week | Mon 13 – Fri 17 Oct 2025 | Autumn holiday |
| In-service | Mon 17 Nov 2025 | Staff only |
| Christmas Holiday | Fri 19 Dec 2025 – Fri 2 Jan 2026 | Schools close 18 Dec |
| Schools return | Mon 5 Jan 2026 | New term begins |
| February Break | Mon 16 – Tue 17 Feb 2026 | Mid-term |
| In-service | Wed 18 Feb 2026 | Teachers only |
| Spring Holiday | Fri 3 – Fri 17 Apr 2026 | Easter break |
| Schools return | Mon 20 Apr 2026 | Term resumes |
| May Day | Mon 4 May 2026 | Public holiday |
| In-service | Thu 7 May 2026 | Election day (TBC) |
| May Weekend | Fri 22 & Mon 25 May 2026 | Two-day holiday |
| Summer Holiday | From Fri 26 Jun 2026 | Schools close 1pm |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does school start in North Lanarkshire for 2025?
Pupils go back to school on Thursday 14 August 2025, following two staff preparation days.
2. How long is the Christmas break?
The Christmas holidays run from Friday 19 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026. Schools reopen on Monday 5 January 2026.
3. When are the Easter holidays?
The Spring/Easter break takes place from Friday 3 April to Friday 17 April 2026, with classes resuming on Monday 20 April 2026.
4. When do schools close for summer?
North Lanarkshire schools close at 1:00 pm on Friday 26 June 2026.
5. How can parents make the most of school breaks?
Use holidays for bonding and balance — mix learning with fun activities. Local museums, parks, or even home-based hobbies like reading, cooking, and crafting can make holidays enriching without heavy spending.
Final Thought
The North Lanarkshire school holidays 2025–26 calendar provides a balanced structure of study and rest, helping families plan well in advance. From short breaks to festive holidays, each period offers a chance to unwind, explore, and make memories together.
By organizing your year around these dates, you can make every term feel smoother — and every holiday more meaningful.