As October half term draws to a close, many parents are wondering when do kids go back to school after the break.
September 2022 marked a new school year for children in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and as is tradition after six weeks back, kids broke up from school (opens in new tab) in October to enjoy a little down time ahead of the winter term.
With the month being the time of year we celebrate Halloween (opens in new tab), some families have enjoyed fun family days out (opens in new tab) together, such as pumpkin picking (opens in new tab) or attending special spooky-themed events with their free National Trust family pass (opens in new tab). On days when the weather hasn't been so great though, indoor activities with kids (opens in new tab) such as Halloween crafts (opens in new tab) have been a real saviour at keeping boredom at bay. However, as is so often the case - their school break has a habit of whizzing by, with kids and parents having to prepare for a return to school before they know it. With this in mind, we've shared the all important back to school dates to note in your diaries.
When do kids go back to school?
Children in England and Scotland go back to school on October 31, after the October half term. Students return on Halloween itself, which this year falls on a Monday.
Pupils in Wales and Northern Ireland have different October holiday term dates. Schoolchildren in Wales actually break up for their half term on Monday 31 October for five days, returning Monday 7 November. Meanwhile pupils in Northern Ireland have two days in total - Halloween and November 1, going back to school on Wednesday 2 November.
Term dates throughout Great Britain often vary from school to school, so it's advised to check dates with your child's school just to be safe.
When do secondary schools go back?
Like primary schools, community secondary schools in England and Scotland go back on Monday 31 October 2022. However, 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.
For schoolchildren who usually receive free school meals during term time, the UK government have shared advice on how low-income families can receive their food vouchers to help them during the half term. Meanwhile supermarket Morrisons have free hot meals (opens in new tab) available to those that may be struggling during the holiday too.
Families on low incomes may be able to access food vouchers and other types of support during half term through their local councils.Find out more 👇https://t.co/WLsnnvXwz0#HelpForHouseholds pic.twitter.com/rcKB9UVHrcOctober 26, 2022
2022 school holidays and term dates
Former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson initially proposed a five-term school year (opens in new tab) for children to catch up on disrupted learning after the pandemic. However, these plans were never finalised and UK school term dates for 2022/2023 have remained unchanged.
The following school holiday and term dates for 2022 represent the majority of schools. Though it's always advised to check these dates directly with your child's school.
England:
- October half term: Monday 24 October to Friday 28 October 2022
- Term 2: Monday 31 October to Friday 16 December 2022
- Christmas break: Monday 19 December to Monday 2 January 2023
- Term 3: Tuesday 3 January to Friday 10 February 2023
- February half term: Monday 13 February to Friday 17 February 2023
- Term 4: Monday 20 February to Friday 31 March 2023
- Easter break: Monday 3 April to Friday 14 April 2023
- Term 5: Monday 17 April to Friday 26 May 2023
- May half term: Monday 29 May to Friday 2 June 2023
- Term 6: Monday 5 June to Friday 21 July 2023
Check individual school term dates in England here (opens in new tab).
Wales:
- October half term: Monday 31 October 2022 to Friday 4 November 2022
- Term 2: Monday 7 November to Friday 23 December 2022
- Christmas break: Monday 26 December to Friday 6 January 2023
- Term 3: Monday 9 January to Friday 17 February 2023
- February half term: Monday 20 February to Friday 24 February 2023
- Term 4: Monday 27 February to Friday 31 March 2023
- Easter break: Monday 3 April to Friday 14 April 2023
- Term 5: Monday 17 April to Friday 26 May 2023
- May half term: Monday 29 May to Friday 2 June 2023
- Term 6: Monday 5 June to Monday 24 July 2023
Check individual school term dates in Wales here (opens in new tab).
Scotland:
- October half term: Monday 17 October 2022 to Friday 28 October 2022
- Term 2: Monday 31 October to Friday 23 December 2022
- Christmas break: Monday 26 December to Friday 6 January 2023
- Term 3: Monday 9 January to Friday 10 February 2023
- February mid term: Monday 13 February to Wednesday 15 February 2023
- Term 4: Thursday 16 February to Friday 31 March 2023
- Easter break: Monday 3 April to Friday 14 April 2023
- Term 5: Monday 17 April to Friday 7 July 2023
Check individual school term dates in Scotland here (opens in new tab).
Northern Ireland:
- Halloween: Monday 31 October 2022 to Tuesday 1 November 2022
- Term 2: Wednesday 2 November to Wednesday 21 December 2022
- Christmas break: Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 3 January 2023
- Term 3: Thursday 4 January to Wednesday 14 February 2023
- February mid term: Thursday 15 February to Friday 16 February 2023
- Term 4: Monday 19 February to Friday 5 April 2023
- Easter break: Monday 8 April to Friday 14 April 2023
- Term 5: Monday 17 April to Monday 1 July 2023
Check individual school term dates in Northern Ireland here (opens in new tab).
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