The school year in West Northamptonshire follows a clear pattern of three terms – autumn, spring, and summer – each with its own half-term break and end-of-term holiday. Below is a term-by-term calendar for the 2025–26 academic year, plus a preview of the 2026–27 schedule.
Academic Year 2025–26
| Term | Dates | Breaks & Holidays | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn 2025 | Mon 1 Sept – Fri 19 Dec 2025 | Half-term: Mon 27 Oct – Fri 31 Oct Christmas holiday: Mon 22 Dec – Fri 2 Jan | Longest term of the year, starting fresh after summer |
| Spring 2026 | Mon 5 Jan – Fri 27 Mar 2026 | Half-term: Mon 16 Feb – Fri 20 Feb Easter break: Mon 30 Mar – Fri 10 Apr | Includes Good Friday (3 Apr) and Easter Monday (6 Apr) |
| Summer 2026 | Mon 13 Apr – Mon 20 Jul 2026 | Half-term: Mon 25 May – Fri 29 May Summer holiday begins Tue 21 Jul | Includes May Bank Holiday (4 May) |
Academic Year 2026–27
| Term | Dates | Breaks & Holidays | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn 2026 | Tue 1 Sept – Fri 18 Dec 2026 | Half-term: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct Christmas: Mon 21 Dec – Fri 1 Jan | Bank holidays: 25 Dec, 28 Dec, 1 Jan |
| Spring 2027 | Mon 4 Jan – Thu 25 Mar 2027 | Half-term: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb Easter: Fri 26 Mar – Fri 9 Apr | Bank holidays: 26 Mar, 29 Mar |
| Summer 2027 | Mon 12 Apr – Wed 21 Jul 2027 | Half-term: Mon 31 May – Fri 4 Jun Summer break starts Thu 22 Jul | Bank holidays: 3 May, 31 May |
Key Things to Remember
- Schools in West Northamptonshire follow this recommended calendar, but academy, free, and independent schools can set their own schedules.
- Each school also selects its INSET (teacher training) days, so pupils may get additional non-teaching days.
- Public and bank holidays are included, helping families plan ahead for trips, childcare, or study time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When does the 2025–26 school year start in West Northamptonshire?
The new school year begins on Monday 1 September 2025 for most schools.
2. When are the Christmas holidays in 2025?
The Christmas break runs from Monday 22 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026.
3. How long is the summer holiday in 2026?
Schools break up on Monday 20 July 2026, and the summer holiday begins Tuesday 21 July 2026, running through to the start of September.
4. Are INSET (teacher training) days included in this calendar?
No, INSET days are set by individual schools, so parents should check directly with their child’s school for exact dates.
5. Do academies follow the same term dates?
Not always. While many academies follow the local authority’s recommended dates, they do have flexibility to set their own calendars.
6. What are the key bank holidays during the 2025–26 school year?
- Good Friday: 3 April 2026
- Easter Monday: 6 April 2026
- Early May Bank Holiday: 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: 25 May 2026