School countdown
Days until half term
About half term
Half term is a one-week break in the middle of each school term in the UK. Most schools in England and Wales take three a year: in February, late May around the Spring bank holiday, and late October. The weeks listed here are the most common ones, shown as a guide.
Councils, academy trusts and individual schools set their own dates, and Scotland and Northern Ireland follow different calendars, so always confirm with your school. Add your own dates on the school holidays page for a personal countdown for each child, and use the shift planner to see which days need childcare cover.
Dates for 2026 to 2030
| Year | February half term | May half term | October half term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February 2026 | Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May 2026 | Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026 |
| 2027 | Monday 15 February to Friday 19 February 2027 | Monday 31 May to Friday 4 June 2027 | Monday 25 October to Friday 29 October 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday 21 February to Friday 25 February 2028 | Monday 29 May to Friday 2 June 2028 | Monday 30 October to Friday 3 November 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday 19 February to Friday 23 February 2029 | Monday 28 May to Friday 1 June 2029 | Monday 29 October to Friday 2 November 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday 18 February to Friday 22 February 2030 | Monday 27 May to Friday 31 May 2030 | Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November 2030 |
Typical weeks only: the February week starts on the third Monday of February, the May week on the last Monday of May and the October week on the last Monday starting 25 to 31 October. Your school may differ.
Frequently asked questions
When is half term in 2027?
In 2027 the dates are: February half term: Monday 15 February to Friday 19 February 2027; May half term: Monday 31 May to Friday 4 June 2027; October half term: Monday 25 October to Friday 29 October 2027. The full list for 2026 to 2030 is in the table on this page. These are typical weeks, so confirm your own school's dates.
How many days until half term?
The live counter at the top of this page shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left, using the time on your device.
Do all schools have the same half term dates?
No. Local councils, academy trusts and schools set their own dates, so neighbouring schools can differ. Scotland and Northern Ireland also follow different calendars. Check your school's website or newsletter.
How long is half term?
Usually one week, Monday to Friday, which with the weekends either side gives nine days off in a row.
How many half terms are there in a school year?
Most schools in England and Wales have three: October, February and May. Christmas and Easter are longer holidays rather than half terms.
More seasonal countdowns
Also useful: holiday countdowns, the school holiday tracker and the free shift planner.