Though summer break is in full swing, many parents are wondering when do kids head back to school for the next academic year.
School is officially out for summer. With families across the UK making the most of their time together whilst the kids are off for their school summer holidays.
From family days out to fun indoor activities with kids when the weather turns, there’s plenty to keep little ones amused. But as most parents know, these six weeks have a habit of flying by, so we’ve shared the all important return-to-school dates to note in your diaries.
When do kids go back to school after the summer holidays?
In England and Northern Ireland, kids go back to school on Wednesday 1st September 2021.
The summer holidays officially end on Tuesday 31 August, after a full six weeks off.
School children in Wales return to schools one day later on Thursday 2nd September.
Whilst Scotland’s different school term dates means that kids go back to school on Monday 16th August. Though some Scottish schools are using this as an inset day, with pupils returning on the Tuesday instead.
Term dates often vary from school to school so it’s advised to check dates with your child’s school to be sure.
Credit: Getty
As was the case before the holidays, the UK Government are asking parents to continue to test kids for coronavirus during the summer break in England.
Kids are expected to regularly undertake lateral flow tests in the holidays. With parents registering the outcome of their coronavirus test results online.
A statement on the Department of Education website states that this procedure is being followed to “help councils and local health officials understand the community rates of infection better, enabling them to identify any possible outbreaks early and to take appropriate action in order to help to break chains of transmission.”
Parents and carers: it is important to continue regular Covid-19 testing with your children over the holidays.@DrAmirKhanGP demonstrates how to carry out a lateral flow test, with the help of his niece. pic.twitter.com/Oxlxai25ek
— Department for Education (@educationgovuk) August 1, 2021
To help sort kids out for the new school year, check out our article the best school uniforms 2021 for some amazing deals and offers on individual items and multi-packs.
When do secondary schools go back?
Community secondary schools go back on September 1 2021.
Private schools, academies, voluntary aided and foundation schools may possibly have different return dates so it’s important to check with children’s individual schools.
Unlike last term, children don’t need to be in consistent groups – otherwise known as ‘bubbles’ – when term starts again in September. This means that children’s curriculums are likely to be more flexible and group activities, such as assemblies, can resume alongside standard lunchtimes where children mix together.
Also if applicable, September is also when to apply for primary school and secondary school in the UK, so keep an eye on application deadlines if you’re planning on enrolling your child into school for the first time in 2022.
2021/22 school holidays and term dates
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson initially proposed a five-term school year for children to catch up on disrupted learning from the pandemic. However, these plans were never finalised and UK school term dates for 2021/2022 have remained unchanged.
The following school holiday and term dates for 2021 represent the majority of schools. Though it’s always advised to check these dates directly with your child’s school.
England:
- Summer school term: Wednesday 1 September to Friday 22 October 2021.
- October Half term: Monday 25 October to Friday 29 October 2021.
- School term resumes: Monday1 November to Friday 17 December 2021.
- Christmas holidays: Monday 20 December 2021 to Monday 3 January 2022
Check individual school term dates in England here.
Credit: Getty
Wales:
- Autumn school term: Thursday 2 September to Friday 22 October 2021.
- October Half term: Monday 25 October to Friday 29 October 2021.
- School term resumes: Monday 1 November to Friday 17 December 2021.
- Christmas holidays: Monday 20 December 2021 to Monday 3 January 2022.
Check individual school term dates in Wales here.
Scotland:
- Autumn school term: Monday 16 August to Friday 17 September 2021.
- September Half term: Monday 20 September and Tuesday 21 September 2021.
- School term resumes: Wednesday 22 September to Friday 8 October 2021.
- October Half term: Monday 11 October to Friday 22 October 2021.
- School term resumes: Tuesday 19 October to Wednesday 22 December 2021.
- Christmas holidays: Thursday 23 December 2021 to Wednesday 5 January 2022.
Check individual school term dates in Scotland here.
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Northern Ireland:
- Autumn school term: Wednesday 1 September to Wednesday 27 October 2021.
- Halloween: Thursday 28 October and Friday 29 October 2021.
- School term resumes: Monday 1 November to Wednesday 22 December 2021.
- Christmas holidays: Thursday 23 December 2021 to Monday 3 January 2022
Check individual school term dates in Northern Ireland here.