If you’re considering relocating to the UK or simply want to understand how the school system works, this brief guide will give you an overview of the school calendar and the typical school day structure.
The UK school year runs from early September to mid-to-late July and is split into three main terms: Autumn, Spring and Summer.
Each term includes a break in the middle and a longer holiday at the end. While dates can vary slightly between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the general pattern is as follows:
In total, children attend school for about 190 days per year. Most state schools follow a similar calendar, but independent (private) schools may have slightly different schedules.
In addition to term dates and school holidays, schools in the UK are also affected by national bank holidays. These are public holidays when schools are typically closed, unless stated otherwise by the local authority or school.
Common UK bank holidays include:
If a bank holiday falls during term time, schools will usually close for that day. When a bank holiday falls during an existing school holiday, there is no additional time off.
It’s important to note that bank holidays can vary slightly between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and individual schools or councils may occasionally make local adjustments.
School staff are required to attend school a minimum of 195 days per year. The additional 5 days are sometimes referred to as ‘Inservice Days’, INSET Days or Training Days. During these days, staff are required to attend training, workshops, and other professional development activities to support their roles. These days often occur at the end or beginning of terms to get you prepared for the next term.
The school day usually begins between 8:30 and 9:00 am and ends around 3:00 to 3:30 pm. It is structured, as below, to include both learning and breaks:
In primary schools (ages 4-11), the day is generally more flexible and often includes group activities, reading and play. In secondary schools (ages 11-16 or 18), the day is more structured, with subjects taught in separate periods.
Exact term dates and daily schedules can vary by region and school, Engage will always let you know the school’s terms and work hours in your booking confirmation.
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