When do schools break up for Christmas 2018? Xmas and New Year holiday dates in the UK

Here is all the info you need for the 2018/2019 school term dates.

When do Christmas holidays start?

School holiday dates in the UK can vary between the different local education authorities.

Your young ones are set to enjoy almost a fortnight off before they have to get back to the grind again in the new year.

For most, the Christmas break begins on Thursday, December 20, 2018 and ends on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

What are the school holiday and half term dates for the rest of the 2018/2019 academic year?

Again, school holiday and term time dates can vary depending on which part of the country you live in.

The dates below are just a rough guide, but check your local council website for the exact dates.

  • Christmas break: Thursday, December 20, 2018 – Wednesday, January 2, 2019
  • Spring term: Thursday, January 3, 2019 – Friday, February 15, 2019
  • Spring half term: Monday, February 18, 2019 – Friday, February 22, 2019
  • Spring term: Monday, February 25, 2019 – Friday, April 5, 2019
  • Easter holidays: Monday, April 8, 2019 – Monday, April 22, 2019
  • Summer term: Tuesday, April 23, 2019 – Friday, May 24, 2019
  • Summer half term: Monday, May 27, 2019 – Friday, May 31, 2019
  • Summer term: Monday, June 3, 2019 – Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Why are holidays so expensive during the school holidays?

As hotels, airlines and tour operators know that more people will want to jet off during school holidays, many hike up their prices.

Recent research has revealed that some holidays are nine times more expensive when schools are off when compared to term time.

Now there are growing calls for the government to intervene and force tour operators to lower their prices during the holidays so fewer children are taken out of school during term time.

Is it legal to take your children on holiday during term time?

Parents are only allowed to let their children miss school if they are sick.

Previously heads could grant 10 days of authorised absence but they are now unable to grant any at all.

It's been revealed that almost 20,000 people were taken to court in 2015 after their children missed school without permission – an increase of more than a fifth.

Those who take their kids out of school will be slapped with a £60 fine which rises to £120 if not paid after 21 days.

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