If you’re a parent, teacher, or student in North Yorkshire, planning ahead for the 2025–2026 school year is essential. Knowing when each term begins and ends, along with holidays and staff training days, helps families schedule travel, childcare, and study time with ease. Here’s a simple, easy-to-follow breakdown of the North Yorkshire County Council academic calendar for 2025–26.
Autumn Term 2025
The autumn term marks the start of the new academic year and is always an exciting time.
- Term begins: Monday 1 September 2025
- Professional development day: Monday 1 September 2025 (schools open to staff only)
- Half-term break: Monday 27 October – Friday 31 October 2025
- Christmas holiday: Monday 22 December 2025 – Friday 2 January 2026
Students will begin their academic journey for the year in early September. The first day of term often includes classroom introductions, settling into new routines, and reconnecting with friends after summer.
By late October, pupils can enjoy a week-long half-term break — a great time to relax or take part in local autumn activities. The term wraps up just before Christmas, giving families two weeks off to celebrate the festive season and recharge for the year ahead.
Spring Term 2026
After the winter holidays, the spring term begins with a sense of renewal and focus.
- Term starts: Monday 5 January 2026
- Professional development day: Monday 5 January 2026
- Half-term holiday: Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February 2026
- Easter holiday: Monday 30 March – Friday 10 April 2026
The spring term is generally shorter but packed with learning milestones and mid-year assessments. Teachers use the professional development day in early January to prepare lesson plans and strategies for the term.
By mid-February, students take a short half-term break, offering a breather before diving into exam preparations and spring projects. The term concludes with a two-week Easter break, which allows families to enjoy the early days of spring or take short trips before the summer term begins.
Summer Term 2026
The summer term brings energy, sunshine, and anticipation of the year’s end.
- Term begins: Monday 13 April 2026
- Bank holiday: Monday 4 May 2026 (schools closed)
- Half-term holiday: Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May 2026
- Professional development day: Monday 20 July 2026
- Term ends: Monday 20 July 2026
Students return in mid-April, ready to finish their academic goals and enjoy outdoor school activities. The May bank holiday gives everyone a welcome long weekend, followed by the May half-term break for some early summer rest.
By mid-July, the school year officially closes. The final professional development day on Monday 20 July 2026 allows staff to prepare for the next academic cycle while students begin their long-awaited summer holidays.
Tips for Parents and Students
- Mark your calendar early – Save these dates to plan holidays, revision sessions, and family events.
- Check school-specific variations – Some North Yorkshire schools, especially academies or voluntary-aided institutions, might slightly adjust training days.
- Use half-terms wisely – These short breaks are great for rest, short trips, or catching up on homework before assessments.
- Stay flexible – Severe weather or other unforeseen events may cause local schedule changes, so always check your school’s updates.
Why Planning School Terms Matters
Having a clear understanding of term times helps students manage workload and parents coordinate work leave and childcare. For teachers, it ensures professional development days are maximized for training and classroom improvements.
Families across North Yorkshire benefit when everyone is aware of the school calendar—especially for balancing academic priorities with quality family time. Whether you’re organizing revision schedules, booking holidays, or just keeping track of routine, these dates keep everyone on track for a smooth academic year.
Final Thoughts (North Yorkshire School dates)
The North Yorkshire school calendar for 2025–2026 balances study time, rest periods, and training days effectively. With early planning, students can make the most of each term, parents can manage family schedules confidently, and teachers can focus on delivering their best in the classroom.
So, as September 2025 approaches, take a moment to note down the key term dates. With everything planned in advance, you’ll be ready for a productive, enjoyable, and stress-free school year in North Yorkshire!