When do schools go back around the UK?

SUMMER will soon come to an end, and millions of parents have begun scrambling to make sure their kids are ready to return to school. And making sure your child is present for the first day of school is very important, especially as it could result in a hefty fine… The summer holidays are almost over, with the new school year looming Credit: Alamy Stock Photo We took a look at exactly when schools in the UK are set to reopen Credit: Pacemaker As part of its Back-to-School co-parenting report, Mediate UK has reminded parents that attendance fines for unauthorised absences are issued per parent, per child. The report reads: “Penalty notices for unauthorised absence in England are issued per parent, per child. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! “If one parent takes the children away in term time without the headteacher’s authorisation, the local authority can fine both parents, whether or not the other one agreed to the trip. “A first notice is £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days, rising to £160 after that. “A second notice for the same child within three years is £160, with no reduced rate. “After two notices in three years the local authority may prosecute, and a court can impose a fine of up to £2,500.” But local authorities do hold discretion when issuing and reviewing penalty notices. If you are a separated parent who explicitly opposed the unauthorised absence, did not consent to the trip, and had no control over the child at the time, you can present evidence (such as messages or emails showing your objection) to your local council to request that your fine be withdrawn.” Most read in The Sun In order to avoid these fines, keep reading to find out exactly when your child’s school starts the new academic year. When do schools go back around the UK? Schools in the UK typically break up for the summer holidays in late June or July, depending on the country and region in which your child is located. From that point, they usually have a six-week break. In England: State schools break up towards the end of July and return in early September (around Sept 1–3). Independent and private schools often have shorter terms and longer holidays. In Wales: Recommended holiday dates run from Monday, July 20 to Monday, August 31, though exact dates vary by local council and school. In Scotland: Schools break up for summer in late June, with pupils returning in mid-August. In Northern Ireland: Most schools end their school year on July 1 and reopen on September 1. All of these dates should be taken with a pinch of salt as they can vary – making it important to check your specific local authority’s term times to ensure your child returns to school on the correct day. How to check your child’s term times in your local area If you live in England or Wales and want to check your child’s term times, head to the UK government’s website. Schools in England usually return from summer in early September Credit: Getty Exact school holiday dates can vary, with independent and private schools often having shorter terms and longer holidays Credit: Getty You will be asked to enter your postcode, after which you will be taken to your local council’s website, which should list the exact holiday dates. For those who live in Scotland, visit this page – you can use the dropdown box to select your local authority, and you’ll be taken to the specific term times for your area. And if you live in Northern Ireland, there is a dedicated page for the Department of Education listing school holiday dates here. Comment now