School term dates consultation for academic years 2026-2028

Overview

Somerset Council is consulting on the draft school term and holiday dates for the 2026 - 2027 and 2027- 2028 academic years. These will apply to Community and Voluntary Controlled schools. While Academies, Voluntary Aided, Foundation, and Free schools can set their own dates, many choose to align with those set by Somerset Council.

Feedback from this consultation will be gathered and presented to a working party in March 2025, with the final dates published on Somerset Council’s website in April 2025.

Here are some key points about the draft dates for both academic years:

• A total of 195 school days have been identified, including 5 INSET days.
• Terms will generally start on a Monday and finish on a Friday, aiming for similar lengths.
• Initial consultations with neighbouring Local Authorities suggest they will propose similar dates.

For each academic year there are two options for consideration.

Academic year 2026 - 2027

• Option A Shows a proposed calendar with a 10 day Christmas break (Including bank holidays), with term 6 ending on Friday 23 July.  This is the option favoured by most of our neighbouring authorities
• Option B is an extended Christmas break for 12 days. With term 6 ending on Tuesday 27 July.

Academic year 2027 - 2028

• Option A Shows a proposed calendar with a 11 day Christmas break (Including bank holidays), with term 6 ending on Friday 21 July.  This is the option favoured by most of our neighbouring authorities
• Option B is an extended Christmas break for 13 days. With term 6 ending on Tuesday 25 July.

This consultation closes at midnight on Friday 7 March 2025.

Please share this information widely to ensure parents and local organisations are aware of the consultation. All feedback will be considered in the final decision-making process.

If you have any questions before submitting your comments, you can contact Samantha Bidgood from the Education Places Team at samantha.bidgood@somerset.gov.uk. 

Why your views matter

Your views matter. By participating in this consultation you can ensure that the final dates reflect the needs and preferences of our community. Your feedback will help create a balanced school calendar that works for everyone, including aligning term dates with neighbouring authorities. Don't miss this opportunity to have your say.