Planning a family holiday? Thinking about a day out? Organising childcare? Or simply wondering when the next school break is?
The Glasgow City Council School Calendar 2026–2027 is now available, A wee academic planner for parents, carers, teachers, and students. From the first day back in August to the summer holidays in June, here’s a wee guide you need to know about everything.
Save a lot of last-minute stress by keeping these dates handy for booking a weekend away, arranging childcare, or planning family activities around Glasgow.
Note: These dates apply to Glasgow City Council schools. Independent schools and neighbouring council areas may follow different term dates.
Glasgow School Holidays 2026–2027 at a Glance
| Event | Dates |
| Teachers Return | Monday, 10 August 2026 (In-Service Day) |
| In-Service Day | Tuesday, 11 August 2026 |
| Pupils Return | Wednesday, 12 August 2026 |
| September Weekend | Friday, 25 September & Monday, 28 September 2026 |
| October In-Service | Friday, 9 October 2026 |
| October Week Holiday | Monday, 12 – Friday, 16 October 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | Monday, 21 December 2026 – Monday, 4 January 2027 |
| Schools Return | Tuesday, 5 January 2027 |
| February Mid-Term | Monday, 15 & Tuesday, 16 February 2027 |
| In-Service Day | Wednesday, 17 February 2027 |
| Good Friday | Friday, 26 March 2027 |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 29 March 2027 |
| Spring Break | Monday, 5 April – Friday, 16 April 2027 |
| Schools Return | Monday, 19 April 2027 |
| May Holiday | Monday, 3 May 2027 |
| In-Service Day* | Thursday, 6 May 2027 |
| May Weekend | Friday, 28 & Monday, 31 May 2027 |
| Summer Holidays Begin | Friday, 25 June 2027 (Schools close at 1.00 pm) |
*Subject to change as it is scheduled to coincide with the elections.
Month-by-Month School Calendar
August 2026 – A Fresh School Year Begins
A fresh start of the 2026 – 2027 academic year with two In-Service Days for teachers on 10 and 11 August, before pupils return to classrooms on Wednesday, 12 August.
For many families, this marks the end of the summer holidays and the beginning of a new school year.
September 2026 – September Weekend
The first break of the term arrives with the traditional September Weekend Holiday on:
- Friday, 25 September
- Monday, 28 September
A welcome long weekend before autumn gets into full swing.
October 2026 – October Week
October brings one of Scotland’s favourite school holidays.
- Friday, 9 October – In-Service Day
- Monday, 12 – Friday, 16 October – October Week Holiday
October Week is a popular family time period for a wee holiday, day trips, or a time to discover some of Glasgow and Scotland’s attractions.
December 2026 – Christmas & New Year Holidays
The longest break of the academic year.
Just a wee hour of school till 2.30 pm on Friday, 18 December 2026.
Official Christmas holidays: Monday, 21 December 2026 to Monday, 4 January 2027
Pupils return on: Tuesday, 5 January 2027
This winter break gives families plenty of time to celebrate Christmas and New Year, visit loved ones, or enjoy winter holidays.
February 2027 Mid-Term Break
Pupils enjoy a short mid-term break on:
- Monday, 15 February
- Tuesday, 16 February
Teachers then have an In-Service Day on Wednesday, 17 February, meaning pupils return after the break.
March 2027 – Easter & Spring Holidays
There are several important dates during spring.
- Good Friday – Friday, 26 March
- Easter Monday – Monday, 29 March
Schools then close early at 2.30 pm on Friday, 2 April before the Spring Break begins.
April 2027 – Spring Break
Monday, 5 April – Friday, 16 April 2027
Schools reopen on Monday, 19 April 2027.
The two-week break gives families plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, Easter events and spring days across Glasgow.
May 2027 – Several Holidays
May includes several public holidays.
- Monday, 3 May – May Holiday
- Thursday, 6 May – In-Service Day*
- Friday, 28 May – May Weekend
- Monday, 31 May – May Weekend
*The 6 May In-Service Day is currently scheduled to coincide with elections and may change if required.
Last working Day – Begins Summer Holidays
Schools finish the academic year at 1.00 pm on Friday, 25 June 2027.
For many pupils, that marks the beginning of nearly seven weeks of summer holidays before the next school year.
Don’t Miss These Early Closing Days
These dates are often overlooked but can easily catch parents by surprise.
- Friday, 18 December 2026 – Schools close at 2.30 pm
- Friday, 2 April 2027 – Schools close at 2.30 pm
- Friday, 25 June 2027 – Schools close at 1.00 pm
If you arrange school pick-ups or childcare, it’s worth adding these to your calendar now.
What Is an In-Service Day?
An In-Service Day is a professional learning day for teachers and school staff.
Although schools remain open for staff training, pupils do not attend school. These days are used for curriculum planning, professional development and preparing for the school term.
Planning Ahead? A Wee Advice
Knowing the school calendar early makes life much easier.
Here are a few tips:
- Save these dates in your phone or family calendar.
- Book holidays early if you’re travelling during October Week, Christmas or Spring Break.
- Arrange childcare well in advance for In-Service Days and early closures.
- Keep an eye on local Glasgow events and festivals happening during school holidays for family-friendly days out.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Glasgow schools return after the summer holidays in 2026?
Pupils return on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, following two teacher In-Service Days.
When is October Week?
The October Week holiday runs from Monday, 12 October to Friday, 16 October 2026.
When do Glasgow schools close for Christmas?
Schools finish at 2.30 pm on Friday, 18 December 2026, with the Christmas holidays beginning on Monday, 21 December.
How long is the Spring Break?
Spring Break runs from Monday, 5 April to Friday, 16 April 2027, with schools reopening on Monday, 19 April.
When does the school year end?
The academic year ends at 1.00 pm on Friday, 25 June 2027.
Final Thoughts
The Glasgow School calendar isn’t just a list of dates – it’s a planner for families, childcare, celebrations and everyday life throughout the year.
For the most up-to-date information or any changes to the school calendar, always check the official Glasgow City Council website.
Source: Glasgow City Council – Official School Term Dates and Holidays 2026–2027.
