Scotland school holidays 2025: Full list of term dates and breaks - including February half term and Easter

• Scottish schoolchildren have a number of lengthy breaks between and even during terms
• Council areas can set their own term dates, meaning they might vary depending on where you live
• Each Scottish council is also able to set its own public holidays - which may line up with local festivals

The Christmas holiday break is flying by for Scottish schoolchildren, before they have to head back for the start of the spring term.

Fortunately, there are many more they can look forward to throughout the coming year. According to Education Scotland, each of the country’s local authorities is able to sets its own term and school holiday dates. However, just like in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, these are generally pretty similar across different schools and council areas.

The Scottish school year, which usually begins in the second or third week of August, covers three terms and lasts at least 190 days - or 38 weeks. This is broken up by a number of one to two-week-long breaks in October, and at Christmas and Easter. Some education authorities also have a short break in mid-February, and there are also a number of Bank Holidays dotted throughout the year.

Some schools also choose to close on Bank Holidays when they fall within term time, so we’ve included those as well. It is worth noting, however, that each local council in Scotland also has powers to create local public holidays - which may also impact schools in different areas.

Here is a general guide to when the Scottish school terms will begin and end in the year ahead, based on the dates set by the City of Edinburgh Council:

Scotland’s term and school holiday dates 2025

Autumn term 2024/25

• Wednesday, 14 August 2024: Start of school year
• Monday, 16 September 2024: Autumn holiday
• Monday, 14 October - Monday, 21 October 2024: October half-term
• Friday 20 December 2024: End of term (Christmas holidays)

Spring term

• Tuesday, 7 January 2025: Start of spring term
• Monday, 10 - Friday, 14 February: February half-term
• Friday, 4 April: End of term (Easter holidays)

Summer term

• Tuesday, 22 April: Summer term begins
• Monday, 5 May: May Day
• Monday, 19 May: Spring bank holiday/Victoria Day
• Thursday, 26 June: End of 2024/25 school year - summer holidays begin

Autumn term 2025/26

• Wednesday, 13 August: Start of school year
• Monday, 15 September: Autumn holiday
• Monday, 13 - Monday, 20 October: October half-term
• Monday, 1 December: St Andrew’s Day
• Friday, 19 December: End of term (Christmas holidays)

Each of Scotland’s local authorities has the power to set its own term and school holiday dates. The Scottish government has an online tool you can use here to find the exact dates in your council’s area.