Hampshire Education Holidays: The Complete 2025-2027 Term Dates Guide for Parents

It’s that familiar panic, isn’t it? You’re trying to book a family holiday, and every search is a gamble. Are the kids actually off that week? Is this the right calendar? Why are holiday clubs booking up already?

Planning around school dates in Hampshire is uniquely confusing. A quick search gives you three different “official” calendars, not to mention the curveball of academy and INSET days.

This guide is your single source of truth. We will provide the official, confirmed Hampshire education holidays and term dates for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. More importantly, we’ll explain why they are different, what the rules are on term-time fines, and a local’s guide to planning activities for every break.

⚠️ Local Authority Alert: Are You Checking the Right Hampshire Calendar?

This is the most critical step. If you get this wrong, all your planning will be off.

Why Hampshire Has Three Sets of Dates

Geographic Hampshire contains three separate Local Education Authorities (LEAs). The “Hampshire” dates you see online almost always refer to just one of these.

1. Hampshire County Council: This is the main one, covering most of the county. This includes towns like Basingstoke, Winchester, Eastleigh, Farnborough, Andover, and the New Forest area.
2. Southampton City Council: A ‘Unitary Authority’. The city of Southampton is its own LEA and sets its own school dates.
3. Portsmouth City Council: Also a ‘Unitary Authority’. Portsmouth, including Southsea, sets its own calendar, completely separate from the other two.

Often, their dates are similar. But sometimes they differ by a day, or even a week (especially for half-terms). Always check the right one for your child’s school.

A Warning About Academies, Foundation & Voluntary-Aided Schools

The dates below are the official calendars set by the councils. However, many schools are not bound by them.

• Academies (now the majority of secondary schools)
• Foundation schools
• Voluntary-aided (faith) schools

These schools have the freedom to set their own term dates and, crucially, their INSET days. They usually align with the local council dates to make life easier for parents, but they do not have to.

💡 Parent Pro-Tip: Your School’s Website is the Final Word

Think of the council dates as your 99% guide. ALWAYS double-check your child’s specific school website or the latest newsletter for the final, confirmed dates. Look for a “Calendar,” “Parents,” or “Term Dates” section. This is the only place you will find their specific INSET days.

Hampshire County Council School Term Dates 2025-2026

These dates apply to all community and controlled schools run by Hampshire County Council.

Autumn Term 2025

• Term Starts: Wednesday 3 September 2025
• Autumn Half Term: Monday 27 October – Friday 31 October 2025
• Term Ends: Friday 19 December 2025
• Christmas Holiday: Monday 22 December 2025 – Friday 2 January 2026

Spring Term 2026

• Term Starts: Monday 5 January 2026
• Spring Half Term: Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February 2026
• Term Ends: Friday 27 March 2026
• Easter Holiday: Monday 30 March – Friday 10 April 2026

Summer Term 2026

• Term Starts: Monday 13 April 2026
• May Day: Monday 4 May 2026
• Summer Half Term: Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May 2026
• Term Ends: Wednesday 22 July 2026
• Summer Holiday: Starts Thursday 23 July 2026

Hampshire County Council School Term Dates 2026-2027

Here are the confirmed dates for the following academic year, essential for long-term planning.

Autumn Term 2026

• Term Starts: Thursday 3 September 2026
• Autumn Half Term: Monday 26 October – Friday 30 October 2026
• Term Ends: Friday 18 December 2026
• Christmas Holiday: Monday 21 December 2026 – Friday 1 January 2027

Spring Term 2027

• Term Starts: Monday 4 January 2027
• Spring Half Term: Monday 15 February – Friday 19 February 2027
• Term Ends: Thursday 25 March 2027
• Easter Holiday: Friday 26 March – Thursday 8 April 2027

Summer Term 2027

• Term Starts: Friday 9 April 2027
• May Day: Monday 3 May 2027
• Summer Half Term: Monday 31 May – Friday 4 June 2027
• Term Ends: Wednesday 21 July 2027
• Summer Holiday: Starts Thursday 22 July 2027

Southampton City Council School Term Dates (2025-2027)

These dates apply only to schools within the Southampton City Council boundary.

Southampton Dates 2025-2026

Southampton Dates 2026-2027

These dates apply only to schools within the Portsmouth City Council boundary.

Portsmouth Dates 2025-2026

Portsmouth Dates 2026-2027

A Parent’s Guide to Holiday Rules: Fines, INSETs & “Exceptional Circumstances”

Knowing the dates is only half the battle. Understanding the rules that govern them is essential for avoiding fines and planning with confidence.

What Are INSET Days (And Why Are There 5)?

You’ll see the term “INSET” on your school’s calendar. It stands for “In-Service Training.”

• The Rule: UK government regulations state that all local-authority-maintained schools must be open for 195 days per year.
• The Pupil Days: 190 of these days are for pupils.
• The Staff Days: The remaining 5 days are for staff training (INSET days).

This is why the council calendars don’t list them. The council sets the 190-day framework, and each individual school chooses where to place its 5 INSET days. They often add them to the start or end of a holiday, giving families a longer break (or a confusing one-day-off-mid-week).

The Law on Term-Time Holidays: Can I Take My Child Out of School?

This is the most common and controversial question. The simple answer is no.

The law was changed in 2013. Headteachers used to have the discretion to grant up to 10 days of leave for family holidays. This is no longer the case.

official GOV.UK guidance  The is very clear:

“You can only allow your child to miss school if either:

• they’re too ill to go in
• you’ve got advance permission from the school

You must get permission from the head teacher if you want to take your child out of school during term time… Head teachers can only grant leave of absence in exceptional circumstances.”

What Actually Counts as “Exceptional Circumstances”?

This is where the confusion lies. “Exceptional” does not mean what most of us think.

It does NOT include:

• A cheaper holiday price
• A family wedding
• A significant birthday
• Visiting relatives

“Exceptional circumstances” are generally interpreted as rare, severe, and unavoidable events. Examples include:

• A close family bereavement.
• A parent in the armed forces returning from a tour of duty.
• A sudden family crisis or emergency.

The decision rests entirely with the headteacher.

Hampshire School Holiday Fines (Penalty Notices): How Much Are They?

If you take your child out of school for a holiday without permission, the absence will be marked as “unauthorised.” This can trigger a fine, known as a Penalty Notice.

According to Hampshire County Council’s attendance policy, a Penalty Notice may be issued for 10 or more half-day sessions (equivalent to 5 school days) of unauthorised absence.

• The Cost: The fine is £80 per parent, per child.
• The Timeline: This rises to £160 if not paid within 21 days.
• The Process: The school reports the unauthorised absence to the council, which then reviews the case and issues the fine.

So, a family of four (two parents, two children) taking an unauthorised one-week holiday could face fines totalling £320.

The Local’s Guide: 15 Top Things to Do in Hampshire During the School Holidays

Now for the fun part! You’ve got the dates, you know the rules. Here’s a local’s guide to 15 brilliant family activities to fill those Hampshire education holidays.

1. The Big Day Out: Paultons Park (Home of Peppa Pig World)

   • Where: Ower, near Romsey
   • Best for: Under 10s (Peppa Pig) and 10-14s (Lost Kingdom & Tornado Springs).
   • Local’s Tip: Book tickets weeks in advance for holidays. If you have very small children, go on a weekday in term time (if they aren’t at school yet) to avoid the queues.

2. The Animal Lovers’ Dream: Marwell Zoo

   • Where: Near Winchester
   • Best for: All ages.
   • Local’s Tip: A family membership can pay for itself in just two visits. It also gets you 10% off in the shop and cafe. Bring a picnic; there are acres of space.

3. The Rainy Day Saviour: Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium

   • Where: Winchester
   • Best for: 4-12 years.
   • Local’s Tip: The planetarium shows are fantastic but require a separate (or joint) ticket and are very popular. Book your slot online the moment you buy your tickets.

4. The Best ‘Free’ Fun: The New Forest National Park

   • Where: All across the south-west of Hampshire.
   • Best for: All ages.
   • Local’s Tip: Don’t just drive through. Park at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary (free) to see the deer, or the Tall Trees Trail for an easy walk. For stream-paddling, head to the brooks in Lyndhurst or Brockenhurst (bring wellies!).

5. History Comes Alive: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

   • Where: Portsmouth
   • Best for: 7+
   • Local’s Tip: An “Ultimate Explorer” ticket is valid for a whole year. Do not try to see everything (HMS Victory, Mary Rose, HMS Warrior) in one day. It’s impossible. Pick one or two and plan to return.

6. Castles & Kings: Winchester Great Hall

   • Where: Winchester
   • Best for: 5-10 years.
   • Local’s Tip: It’s home to the (replica) Round Table. It’s a quick visit, so combine it with a walk to the ruins of Wolvesey Castle (English Heritage) and a stroll by the river.

7. Get on the Water: Staunton Country Park or Lepe Beach

   • Where: Havant (Staunton) or The Solent (Lepe).
   • Best for: All ages.
   • Local’s Tip: Staunton has a brilliant farm and glasshouses. Lepe Beach is fantastic for a windy walk, rock pooling, and watching the ships, with a great cafe.

8. The ‘Hidden Gem’: Hawk Conservancy Trust

   • Where: Near Andover
   • Best for: 6+
   • Local’s Tip: This is not a static zoo. It’s all about the flying shows. Arrive, check the show schedule, and plan your day around the “Valley of the Eagles” display. It’s breathtaking.

9. Royal Victoria Country Park

   • Where: Netley
   • Best for: All ages.
   • Local’s Tip: Great for scooters and bikes. Pay for the car park, but the rest is free (except the mini railway). The old chapel is the main landmark, and the new play area is superb.

10. Queen Elizabeth Country Park

    • Where: Near Petersfield
    • Best for: All ages, especially dog walkers.
    • Local’s Tip: A huge park with endless trails. The play areas are great, and there’s a specific “dog activity” trail. Head to the top of Butser Hill for incredible views.

11. Indoor History: Milestones Museum

    • Where: Basingstoke
    • Best for: 4-12 years.
    • Local’s Tip: Another great rainy-day option. This is an indoor street scene from the Victorian and 1930s. Kids love the sweet shop and the hands-on post office.

12. Cars & Stately Homes: Beaulieu National Motor Museum

    • Where: New Forest
    • Best for: All ages (but car-mad dads and kids especially).
    • Local’s Tip: The ticket includes the motor museum, the Palace House, and the Abbey. It’s a full day out. The monorail and “Top Gear” exhibitions are kid-pleasers.

13. Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

    • Where: Near Romsey
    • Best for: All ages.
    • Local’s Tip: More than just gardens. It has brilliant play areas, a ‘treehouse’, and fantastic wooden sculptures. A very relaxing day out.

14. Get a New Perspective: Spinnaker Tower

    • Where: Portsmouth
    • Best for: 5+
    • Local’s Tip: Go on a clear day. Book online to save money. The best bit for kids is the “sky walk” glass floor, 100 metres up.

15. Free City Museums

    • Where: Southampton & Basingstoke
    • Best for: 5+
    • Local’s Tip: Don’t overlook the council-run museums. The SeaCity Museum in Southampton (Titanic exhibit) and The Willis Museum in Basingstoke (local history) are fantastic for a half-day activity. (Note: SeaCity may have an entry fee, but check for free-entry days).

A Parent’s Holiday Planning Checklist

Use this simple checklist to stay ahead of the game.

• Right Now (1-3 Months Before):
  • [ ] Cross-reference this guide with your school’s specific INSET day calendar.
  • [ ] Book any essential holiday clubs (the good ones fill up fast!).
  • [ ] Book tickets for “big ticket” attractions (Paultons, Marwell).
  • [ ] Request time off work.
• The Week Before:
  • [ ] Plan a rough mix of “at home” days and “day out” activities.
  • [ ] Check the weather forecast.
  • [ ] Do a food shop for picnics and snacks.
• During the Holiday:
  • [ ] Have at least one “pyjama and movie day” planned. It’s a holiday for you, too!
  • [ ] Check local sites like [Internal Link: Hampshire’s Top Attractions] for last-minute events.

Final Words

Planning your year around the Hampshire education holidays doesn’t have to be a headache. The key is to first identify your correct local authority (Hampshire, Southampton, or Portsmouth), and then confirm your specific school’s INSET days and academy dates.

Once you have the dates locked in, you can get to the fun part. This calendar isn’t just a set of rules; it’s a map of opportunities to explore one of the UK’s best counties with your family, from the forests to the sea.

What are your family’s favourite things to do during the Hampshire half terms? Do you have a hidden gem we missed? Share your tips in the comments below!

FAQs

Do all schools in Hampshire have the same term dates?

No. This is the most common mistake. Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, and Portsmouth City Council all set their own dates. On top of that, academies and foundation schools can set their own calendars. Always check your specific school’s website.

Are Southampton school holidays the same as Hampshire?

No. Southampton is a ‘Unitary Authority’ and sets its own school term dates. They are often different by a few days from the Hampshire County Council calendar. We have listed both in the tables above.

What are the Portsmouth school term dates?

Portsmouth is also a ‘Unitary Authority’ and sets its own dates. They may align with Southampton or Hampshire, but you must check the official Portsmouth City Council calendar, which we’ve included above.

How many school weeks are in a year in Hampshire?

All local authority schools in Hampshire (and the rest of England) must be open for 190 pupil days per year. This is equivalent to 38 weeks.

How many INSET days do Hampshire schools have?

All Hampshire schools are allocated five INSET (staff training) days per academic year. The dates for these are chosen by the individual school, not the council.

What is the fine for taking a child on holiday in Hampshire?

If you take a child out of school for a term-time holiday, it will be marked as an unauthorised absence. This can lead to a Penalty Notice (fine) of £80 per parent, per child. This rises to £160 if not paid within 21 days.

What are the school holiday dates for 2025 in Hampshire?

This covers two academic years. For Hampshire County Council schools, the main 2025 holidays are:

• Spring Half Term 2025: Mon 17 Feb – Fri 21 Feb 2025
• Easter 2025: Mon 7 Apr – Mon 21 Apr 2025
• Summer Half Term 2025: Mon 26 May – Fri 30 May 2025
• Summer Holiday 2025: Starts Wed 23 July 2025
• Autumn Half Term 2025: Mon 27 Oct – Fri 31 Oct 2025
• Christmas 2025: Mon 22 Dec 2025 – Fri 2 Jan 2026

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