When do kids break up from school? Summer holidays 2023

It's the final term before the long summer break!

A group of teenagers wearing school uniform
(Image credit: Getty Images)

We've made it through May half term, which means the summer holidays are next up. Here's when kids break up from school for the longest break of the year. 

It might feel like they've only just gone back to school after May half term, but as is so often the case the next break will creep up fast - you'll be browsing for the best teacher gifts and the summer holidays will be here before you know it. 

An entire six-week break from the school run, making packed lunches and washing uniform, is a promising prospect for some parents. But for others, the panic of how to keep them entertained for an few days can lead to some panic. Thankfully, we've shared some ideas on fun things to do with kids from cheap family trips out to making your own music videos. There's also plenty of easy crafts children can do, with or without parental input depending on age and ability. 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: Monday, July 24 to Friday, September 1, 2023.
  • Scotland: Wednesday, June 28 to Wednesday, August 15, 2023.
  • Northern Ireland: Monday, July 3 to Monday, September 4, 2023.  

Schoolchildren in England and Wales break up from school on Friday 21 July, with the summer holidays officially underway Monday 24. The holiday lasts for 6 weeks, with kids returning to school on Monday, September 4, 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. 

Two small boys running across a playground

(Image credit: Getty Images)

2023 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 4 September to Friday 20 October 2023.
  • October half term: Monday 23 October to Friday 27 October 2023.
  • Term 2: Monday 30 October to Friday 15 December 2023.

Check individual school term dates in England here.

Wales

  • Term 1: Monday 4 September to Friday 27 October 2023.
  • October half term: Monday 30 October to Friday 3 November 2023.
  • Term 2: Monday 6 November to Friday 22 December 2023.

Check individual school term dates in Wales here.

Scotland

  • Term 1: Wednesday 16 August to Friday 6 October 2023.
  • October half term: Monday 9 October to Monday 16 October 2023.
  • Term 2: Tuesday 17 October to Thursday 21 December 2023.

Check individual school term dates in Scotland here.

Northern Ireland

  • Term 1: Monday 4 September to 22 December 2023.

Check individual school term dates in Northern Ireland here.

Ideas for the summer holidays 2023:

Earn some brownie points by organising a day out to one of the UK's best theme parks like Alton Towers or Thorpe Park. 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.

Mother and daughter on the beach in the UK

(Image credit: Tang Ming Tung/Getty)

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:

Emily Stedman
Features Editor

Emily Stedman is the former Features Editor for GoodTo covering all things TV, entertainment, royal, lifestyle, health and wellbeing. Boasting an encyclopaedic knowledge on all things TV, celebrity and royals, career highlights include working at HELLO! Magazine and as a royal researcher to Diana biographer Andrew Morton on his book Meghan: A Hollywood Princess. In her spare time, Emily can be found eating her way around London, swimming at her local Lido or curled up on the sofa binging the next best Netflix show.