The term dates Orkney Islands Council sets for its community and voluntary controlled schools, and the dates of 21 Orkney Islands schools we have read individually.
Council term dates 2026/27
Term
First day
Last day
Term 1
Tue 18 August 2026
Fri 9 October 2026
Term 2
Wed 28 October 2026
Fri 18 December 2026
Term 3
Tue 5 January 2027
Fri 26 March 2027
Term 4
Mon 12 April 2027
Fri 2 July 2027
Holidays and closures
What
When
In-service day
Mon 17 August 2026
October holidays
Mon 12 Oct – Fri 23 October 2026
October half term
Mon 12 Oct – Tue 27 October 2026
In-service day
Mon 26 Oct – Tue 27 October 2026
Christmas holidays
Mon 21 December 2026 – Mon 4 January 2027
February break
Thu 11 Feb – Mon 15 February 2027
In-service day
Tue 16 February 2027
Spring holidays
Mon 29 Mar – Fri 9 April 2027
May Day holiday
Mon 3 May 2027
In-service day
Mon 31 May 2027
Summer holiday
Mon 5 Jul – Tue 17 August 2027
Academies, free schools, foundation and voluntary aided schools can set their own dates, and every school chooses its own INSET days. Check your child’s school below.
Council term dates 2027/28
Term
First day
Last day
Term 1
Wed 18 August 2027
Fri 8 October 2027
Term 2
Tue 26 October 2027
Tue 21 December 2027
Term 3
Thu 6 January 2028
Fri 31 March 2028
Term 4
Tue 18 April 2028
Fri 30 June 2028
Holidays and closures
What
When
In-service day
Mon 16 Aug – Tue 17 August 2027
October holidays
Mon 11 Oct – Fri 22 October 2027
October half term
Mon 11 Oct – Mon 25 October 2027
In-service day
Mon 25 October 2027
Christmas holidays
Wed 22 December 2027 – Wed 5 January 2028
In-service day
Thu 10 February 2028
February break
Fri 11 Feb – Mon 14 February 2028
Spring holidays
Mon 3 Apr – Mon 17 April 2028
May Day holiday
Mon 1 May 2028
In-service day
Tue 2 May 2028
Summer holiday
From Mon 3 July 2028
Academies, free schools, foundation and voluntary aided schools can set their own dates, and every school chooses its own INSET days. Check your child’s school below.