After extensive consultation with parents, carers, pupils, school staff, and trade unions, today Councillors agreed school holiday dates for 2026-2029.
What's New?
- Holiday dates: We've set the school holiday dates for pupils and in-service days for teachers for the next three years: 2026/27, 2027/28, and 2028/29. You can view these dates on our website /education-and-learning/schools/school-holidays
- December break adjustments: Based on your feedback, we've adjusted the December break dates for 2026 and 2027, moving them by one day to allow for an earlier close. This change considers the unique travel challenges faced by our rural communities.
Key Dates:
- December Break 2026: Close on Tuesday, 22nd December, open on Tuesday, 5th January
- December Break 2027: Close on Wednesday, 22nd December, open on Wednesday, 5th January
Teacher In-Service and School Opening/Closing Dates for 2026/2027:
- In-Service: Thursday, 13th August and Friday, 14th August 2026
- Schools Open: Monday, 17th August 2026
- Schools Close: Friday, 2nd July 2027
Councillor Audrey Forrest, Policy Lead for Education: "Thank you to everyone who provided valuable feedback throughout the consultation. When setting the school holiday dates for 2026-29, we carefully considered the logistics of our unique geography. We understand the travel challenges faced by our remote and island communities, and we hope that by introducing an earlier close at the end of 2026, we can offer some flexibility."
School holiday dates are set every three years, ensuring 190 attendance days for pupils and 195 for staff, with the October break in the 42nd week and Spring break in the first two weeks of April. These holidays apply to all schools across ߣsirÊÓƵ and Bute.
Under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, local authorities are responsible for setting school term and holiday dates, with the flexibility to account for local circumstances.