{"id":33691,"date":"2026-10-05T15:54:39","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T15:54:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/?p=33691"},"modified":"2026-10-05T15:54:40","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T15:54:40","slug":"october-half-term-2026-uk-dates-activities-study-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/october-half-term-2026-uk-dates-activities-study-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"October Half Term 2026: UK Dates, Activities & Study Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
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October half term 2026<\/strong> runs from 26\u201330 October in Wales and in English councils such as Essex. Dates vary by council and school, especially in Scotland. Northern Ireland lists Halloween closures on 29\u201330 October. Check your child\u2019s school calendar before booking childcare, travel or activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The break also gives families a chance to pause after the first weeks of school. Below, you\u2019ll find the regional dates, ideas for days off and a flexible study plan that leaves room for rest.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"October<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

When Is October Half Term 2026?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is no single October half term date for the whole UK. Wales has approved dates of Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October. Essex uses the same week for its community and voluntary controlled schools, while other school calendars may differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To find your local dates, start with the GOV.UK school term and holiday dates checker<\/a>. Then check your child\u2019s school website for its calendar and any extra closure days. This matters when arranging childcare or booking something you cannot easily change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

October Half Term 2026 Dates Across the UK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The table below shows official listings and council examples. The England and Scotland examples are not national dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

October 2026 dates checked on 5 October 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n
\n UK nation <\/td>\n \n October 2026 dates <\/td>\n \n Scope and exceptions <\/td>\n \n Official source <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n England <\/td>\n \n Essex example: 26\u201330 October <\/td>\n \n Community and voluntary controlled schools in Essex; other councils and schools may differ <\/td>\n \n Essex school term dates<\/a> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n Wales <\/td>\n \n 26\u201330 October <\/td>\n \n Approved dates across Welsh local authorities; check the school calendar too <\/td>\n \n Wales school term dates 2026\/27<\/a> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n Scotland <\/td>\n \n Edinburgh example: 12\u201319 October <\/td>\n \n Dates vary by council; this example applies to Edinburgh\u2019s published calendar <\/td>\n \n Edinburgh school term dates<\/a> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n Northern Ireland <\/td>\n \n 29\u201330 October <\/td>\n \n Listed Halloween closure dates; schools have discretion <\/td>\n \n Northern Ireland school holidays<\/a> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/table>\n<\/div>