When do kids break up from school for the summer? As we head into the final weeks before the long break, we have the key dates you need to know about.
It might feel like they've only just gone back to school after May half term, but the weeks are flying by and it'll soon be time to say hello to the long six-week break. You'll soon be searching for fun things to do with kids to keep them entertained, although it could be a relief to hear that your child being bored could actually be the best thing for them.
Whatever you have planned, from juggling work to packing for an exciting holiday, planning local day trips or heading off to Eurocamp, you'll need to work around those all-important school holiday dates - so here's when you can expect your school summer break to start in the UK.
When do kids break up from school? Summer holiday dates
- England and Wales: Thursday, July 25 to Monday, September 2, 2024.
- Scotland: Friday, June 28 to Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
- Northern Ireland: Monday, July 1 to Monday, September 2, 2024.
Schoolchildren in England and Wales break up from school on Wednesday, July 24, with the summer holidays officially underway Thusday 24. The holiday lasts for 6 weeks, with kids returning to school on Monday, September 2, 2023.
Meanwhile, Scotland and Northern do things slightly differently, with Scotland breaking on June 28 for nearly seven weeks, and Northern Ireland stopping for the summer on July 3, for nine weeks.
2024 school holidays and term dates
The following school holiday and term dates for the academic year 2023-2024 represent the majority of schools - including primary school places and secondary school places. Though it’s always advised to check these dates directly with your child’s school.
England
- Term 1: Monday 2 September to Friday 25 October 2024.
- October half term: Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November 2024.
- Term 2: Monday 4 November to Friday 20 December 2024.
Check individual school term dates in England here.
Wales
- Term 1: Monday 2 September to Friday 25 October 2024.
- October half term: Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November 2024.
- Term 2: Monday 4 November to Friday 20 December 2024.
Check individual school term dates in Wales here.
Scotland
- Term 1: Thursday 16 August to Friday 11 October 2024.
- October half term: Monday 14 October to Friday 18 October 2024.
- Term 2: Monday 21 October to Friday 20 December 2024.
Check individual school term dates in Scotland here.
Northern Ireland
- Term 1: Monday 2 September to 20 December 2024.
Check individual school term dates in Northern Ireland here.
Ideas for the summer holidays 2024:
Earn some brownie points by organising a day out to one of the UK's best theme parks like Alton Towers or Thorpe Park, but make sure you know their rainy day guarantees if the weather is bad. History buffs should explore some of the best UK castles or consider a National Trust visit. Whilst animal obsessed kids will love a trip to the zoo or local aquarium.
It's always a good idea to check in with your school to see if they are running any holiday clubs too. Football clubs, art clubs and netball clubs are often available during the break. Also be sure to check out your local library and museum free virtual tours or workshops they have on especially for the school holiday.
Rainy day activities could include a trip to the bowling alley, cinema or a soft play area. Though if you'd rather stay in, than face the weather, there's plenty of great indoor activites with kids to do and you can get the children involved in the kitchen, helping with these cheap family meals.
Families looking to take a trip further afield should swat up on our regional Family Days Out guides too...
Family Days Out:
- Family days out in the North East
- Day trips in the North West
- Family days out in the Midlands
- Days trips in Yorkshire
- Family days out in London
- 100 free things to do in London
- Family days out in the South East
- Day trips in the South West
- Family days out in Wales
- Day trips in Scotland
