Decision details

The purpose of this report is to ask the Cabinet Member to agree the school term and holiday dates for 2026/27 for Wiltshire’s Community, Voluntary Controlled and Community Special Schools.

To approve the 195-day calendar for School Term & Holiday Dates for 2026/27                                    as shown in Option 1.

This decision was published on Monday 31^st March 2025and will come into force on 8^th April 2025.

As dictated by Section 32 of the Education Act 2002, the local authority is responsible for determining the term dates for all community, voluntary controlled or community special schools in Wiltshire.

Option 1: Shows a proposed calendar provided a shorter summer holiday and a seven-day October half term with term 6 ending on Friday 23 July 2027.

Option 2: Shows a proposed calendar provided a marginally longer summer holiday and a five-day October half term with term 6 ending on Wednesday 21 July 2027.

A protocol for the setting of school term & holiday dates has been previously endorsed by the Teachers Joint Consultative Committee. In line with the recommendations set out in this protocol, two 195 term day calendars were proposed for consultation. Both options can be seen in Appendix A.

Consultation was undertaken with schools, neighbouring authorities, members of the public and other interested parties on the two options proposed. At their meeting on 06 March 2025, the Teachers Joint Consultative Committee confirmed their support for Option 1.