Consultation on proposed school term and holiday dates for 2027 to 2028

Introduction

We're responsible for setting the school term and holiday dates for all Community and Voluntary Controlled schools in the city. Academies retain the freedom to set their own dates, although many choose to align with the Local Authority.

Local Authority maintained schools are required to open for 380 sessions, equivalent to 190 school days.

We aim to maintain consistency with our neighbouring Local Authorities wherever possible. For 2027 to 2028, we're proposing dates that align with Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES) and South Gloucestershire. These proposals reflect what we believe to be the most suitable dates, taking into account factors such as:

• the significant number of Bristol children educated in state schools in neighbouring Local Authorities
• the working commitments of Bristol families
• ensuring terms are of a consistent length, where possible
• reducing the likelihood of unauthorised absences, particularly during the summer term

Proposed term dates

Term 1: 1 September 2027 to 22 October 2027 (38 days)

Term 2: 1 November 2027 to 17 December 2027 (35 days)

Term 3: 4 January 2028 to 11 February 2028 (29 days)

Term 4: 21 February 2028 to 31 March 2028 (30 days)

Term 5: 18 April 2028 to 26 May 2028 (28 days)

Term 6: 5 June 2028 to 21 July 2028 (35 days)

Total: 195 school days

In the 2027 to 2028 school year, pupils must attend for 190 days. Schools allocate 5 INSET (non-contact) days, during which pupils do not attend.