English school holidays
The English school year runs from early September to mid- or late July. Most schools divide the year into three terms, each term divided into half terms:
- Autumn term runs from early September to mid December.
- Spring Term runs from early January to Easter.
- Summer Term runs from Easter to mid-July.
The Christmas holidays separate the autumn and spring terms, and the Easter holidays separate the spring and summer terms. Each holiday lasts about two weeks.
The summer holiday begins in late July and usually lasts about six weeks, sometimes ending two weeks before the Autumnal equinox.
Calendar
The local education authority sets the holiday dates for all schools under its control. Academies set their own dates, but often coordinate with other local schools.Individual schools may be closed due to teacher training, bad weather, or other unplanned events.
Independent schools
Independent schools and "private schools" or "preparatory schools" in the UK generally operate a similar academic year, often with shorter terms and longer holidays. More traditional schools use the term names originating at Oxford University; namely Michaelmas term, named after the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels on 29 September, Hilary term and Trinity term, named after Trinity Sunday which is eight weeks after Easter.Some international schools use semesters rather than terms.
Economic impact
English school holidays have a major traffic impact. Holidays create a marked reduction in peak traffic congestion periods on many routes. England does not have a wide network of state-run school transport, leading many parents to drive their children to and from school.English school holidays also affect holiday accommodation pricing. Holidays feature a steep rise in accommodation cost, due to increased demand. The English tourism industry monitors websites that provide up-to-date school holiday information, and adjusts prices accordingly. Prices often drop by hundreds of pounds one week into the new school term. Most schools have a strict policy against school absences. Parents who decide to save money by taking a holiday during term risk damaging their children's education and fines or warnings from their school. Parents can be issued with a penalty notice whenever they take their children on holiday with authorisation. Penalty notices can be issued by local councils, headteachers and their delegates and the police. Generally, schools allow no more than 10 school days of absence in any school year.