Planning your family calendar around school terms has never been easier. This comprehensive guide provides all the essential West Sussex term dates for 2025-26, including half-term holidays, INSET days, and practical planning tips to help parents organize their year ahead.
West Sussex County Council has published the recommended school term dates for the 2025-26 academic year. These dates apply to most maintained and voluntary-controlled schools across West Sussex, though academies and independent schools may follow different calendars.
Table of Contents
Complete West Sussex Term Dates Calendar 2025-26
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Half Term Break |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term 2025 | Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | Friday, December 19, 2025 | Monday, October 27 – Friday, October 31, 2025 |
| Spring Term 2026 | Monday, January 5, 2026 | Friday, March 27, 2026 | Monday, February 16 – Friday, February 20, 2026 |
| Summer Term 2026 | Monday, April 13, 2026 | Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | Monday, May 25 – Friday, May 29, 2026 |
Key School Holiday Periods
| Holiday Period | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Holidays 2025 | Monday, December 22, 2025 | Friday, January 2, 2026 | 12 days |
| Easter Holidays 2026 | Monday, March 30, 2026 | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 10 days |
| Summer Holidays 2026 | Thursday, July 23, 2026 | Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 41 days |
| October Half Term 2025 | Monday, October 27, 2025 | Friday, October 31, 2025 | 5 days |
| February Half Term 2026 | Monday, February 16, 2026 | Friday, February 20, 2026 | 5 days |
| May Half Term 2026 | Monday, May 25, 2026 | Friday, May 29, 2026 | 5 days |
Understanding West Sussex School Term Dates Structure
What Are WSCC Recommended Dates?
West Sussex County Council publishes recommended term dates for maintained and voluntary-controlled schools in the county. These dates serve as the foundation for most state-funded schools’ academic calendars, but it’s important to understand that individual schools may make adjustments.
The council consults with headteachers, neighboring authorities, and dioceses before finalizing these dates each year. This collaborative approach ensures the term dates work effectively across the broader educational landscape in West Sussex.
School Types and Term Date Variations
Maintained Schools: Most community and voluntary-controlled schools follow the WSCC recommended dates exactly.
Academy Schools: Have the flexibility to set their own term dates and may differ from county council recommendations.
Independent Schools: Operate independently and often have unique term structures.
Voluntary Aided Schools: May follow diocesan calendars that differ slightly from WSCC dates.
INSET Days and Training Days Explained
What Are INSET Days?
INSET (In-Service Education and Training) days are professional development days for teaching staff. During these days, schools are closed to pupils but teachers attend training sessions.
Key Facts About INSET Days:
- Schools can schedule up to 5 INSET days per academic year
- INSET days are set individually by each school
- These days may fall within term time
- Not all schools schedule INSET days on the same dates
Common INSET Day Patterns in West Sussex:
| Typical INSET Day Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|
| First day of term | Staff preparation for new term |
| End of term | Planning and assessment |
| Mid-term | Continuing professional development |
| After half-term | Curriculum planning |
Planning Your Year: Practical Guide for Parents
Early Planning Strategies
6 Months Ahead:
- Book summer holiday accommodation
- Research holiday clubs and childcare options
- Mark term dates in family calendar
- Check your specific school’s INSET day schedule
3 Months Ahead:
- Arrange half-term activities
- Book any term-time appointments
- Plan work leave around school holidays
1 Month Ahead:
- Confirm childcare arrangements
- Check for any school calendar updates
- Prepare children for term start/end
Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme
West Sussex provides Holiday Activity and Food programmes during school breaks, particularly:
- Easter holidays: Various activity centres across the county
- Summer holidays: Extended programmes with meals and activities
- Half-term periods: Shorter programmes available
These programmes are often free for eligible families and provide structured activities during school holidays.
Travel and Holiday Booking Tips
Best Times to Book:
- Summer holidays: Book 6-12 months in advance
- Half-term breaks: Book 3-6 months ahead
- Last-minute deals: Check 2-3 weeks before less popular holiday periods
Cost-Saving Strategies:
- Travel during the first week of summer holidays when demand is lower
- Consider camping or holiday parks within West Sussex
- Look for term-time holiday deals (check school absence policies first)
School-Specific Variations and What to Check
Academy and Independent School Differences
Many West Sussex academies and independent schools operate different term patterns:
Common Variations:
- Earlier start dates in September
- Different half-term week arrangements
- Extended Christmas or Easter breaks
- Additional short breaks throughout the year
Essential Checks for Your Child’s School
- School Website: Look for “Term Dates” or “Key Dates” sections
- Parent Portal: Many schools publish calendars through online platforms
- School Newsletter: Regular updates often include date reminders
- Direct Contact: Call the school office if dates are unclear
Popular West Sussex School Types and Their Patterns:
| School Type | Typical Calendar Pattern |
|---|---|
| Community Primary Schools | Follow WSCC dates exactly |
| Secondary Academies | May start earlier in September |
| Grammar Schools | Often have unique sixth-form arrangements |
| Independent Prep Schools | Longer holidays, different half-terms |
Regional Variations Within West Sussex
District-by-District Overview
Chichester District:
- Mix of community schools and academies
- Some schools coordinate with Hampshire dates for cross-border families
Crawley:
- High concentration of academy schools
- Some schools align with Surrey borders for commuting families
Horsham District:
- Balanced mix of maintained and academy schools
- Popular with London commuters, so some schools consider Surrey dates
Mid Sussex:
- Many grammar and independent schools
- Strong academy presence in secondary education
Worthing and Adur:
- Predominantly community schools following WSCC dates
- Some faith schools may have slight variations
Digital Tools and Resources
Adding Dates to Your Calendar
Google Calendar Integration:
- Create a new calendar called “School Terms 2025-26”
- Add recurring events for term starts and ends
- Set reminders for half-term planning
- Share with family members
Apple Calendar Setup:
- Create a new calendar for school dates
- Import dates manually or via .ics file
- Set location-based reminders
- Sync across all family devices
Useful Apps and Websites
School-Specific Apps:
- Many West Sussex schools use apps like ParentPay or School Gateway
- These often include integrated calendar features
- Push notifications for important date changes
General Planning Apps:
- FamilyWall for shared family calendars
- TimeTree for collaborative planning
- Google Keep for quick date reminders
West Sussex Term Dates FAQs
When do West Sussex schools break up for summer 2026?
Most West Sussex schools following WSCC recommendations will finish on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. However, some academy schools may finish earlier or later, so always check your specific school’s calendar.
Are INSET days included in the published term dates?
No, INSET days are set individually by schools and are not included in the WSCC recommended dates. Schools publish their own INSET day schedules, typically on their websites.
Do all West Sussex schools follow the same half-term dates?
Most maintained schools follow the WSCC pattern with half-terms in late October, mid-February, and late May. Academy and independent schools may choose different weeks.
How early should I book summer holiday accommodation?
For popular destinations during summer holidays (starting July 23, 2026), book 6-12 months in advance. West Sussex coastal areas and nearby attractions book up quickly during school holiday periods.
What happens if my child’s school shows different dates from WSCC?
This is normal for academy and independent schools. Always use your specific school’s published dates as the authoritative source. Contact the school office if you need clarification.
Can schools change term dates after publication?
While rare, schools can make changes due to exceptional circumstances. They must provide reasonable notice to parents. Sign up for your school’s communication channels to receive updates promptly.
Bank Holidays and Special Considerations
Bank Holidays During School Terms 2025-26
| Bank Holiday | Date | Impact on Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday 2026 | Friday, April 18, 2026 | Falls during Easter holidays |
| Easter Monday 2026 | Monday, April 21, 2026 | Falls during Easter holidays |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday, May 5, 2026 | School closed (additional day off) |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, May 26, 2026 | Falls during May half-term |
Planning Around Bank Holidays
Bank holidays that fall during term time create long weekends, perfect for:
- Short family breaks
- Local attraction visits
- Extended time with relatives
- Home improvement projects
Childcare and Support Options
Holiday Childcare Solutions
Council-Run Programmes:
- West Sussex HAF programmes
- Youth centers with holiday activities
- Library holiday events and workshops
Private Options:
- Holiday clubs at sports centers
- Religious organization holiday programs
- Private nursery holiday care
- Nanny shares with other families
Community Resources:
- Parent WhatsApp groups for mutual support
- Local Facebook community groups
- Village hall activity programmes
- Sports clubs and leisure centers
Cost-Effective Childcare Strategies
- Share with neighbors: Organize informal childcare swaps
- Extended family: Plan visits to grandparents during holidays
- Older children: Consider age-appropriate independence for secondary pupils
- Work flexibility: Negotiate flexible hours with employers
- Holiday clubs: Compare prices and book early-bird discounts
Preparing for Term Transitions
End of Term Preparation
Academic Preparation:
- Review progress reports
- Organize school supplies for next term
- Complete any holiday homework assignments
- Plan educational activities during breaks
Practical Preparation:
- Update school contact information
- Check uniform requirements
- Arrange any medical or dental appointments
- Plan healthy sleep routines for term restart
New Term Readiness
Back-to-School Checklist:
- School uniform check and repairs
- Stationery and equipment audit
- Transport arrangements confirmation
- Extracurricular activity enrollment
- Updated emergency contact details
Important Reminders and Final Tips
Key Takeaways for West Sussex Parents
- Always verify dates with your specific school, especially for academies
- Book early for popular holiday periods starting July 23, 2026
- Plan for INSET days which are set individually by schools
- Use digital calendars to coordinate with family members
- Consider HAF programmes for supported holiday activities
- Check for updates regularly through school communication channels
Emergency Planning
Keep backup childcare options available for:
- Unexpected school closures (weather, emergencies)
- Child illness during crucial work periods
- Changes to published term dates
- Transport disruptions during term time
Stay Connected
- Follow West Sussex County Council education updates
- Join parent groups at your child’s school
- Subscribe to school newsletters and communication apps
- Bookmark key resources like the WSCC term dates page
Sources:
- West Sussex County Council 2025-26 School Term Calendar
- Individual West Sussex school websites and calendars
- WSCC School Services information
- DfE guidance on school term dates
