Navigating the UK Academic Year: A Guide for Overseas Educators (2025/26 Edition)

If you’re an educator planning to relocate and teach in the UK, understanding the academic calendar is crucial. Whether you’re from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, or elsewhere, aligning your move with the UK school term dates will help you settle in and secure the best teaching opportunities.

To help you plan ahead, we’ve broken down the UK academic year for 2025/26 and included some top tips to make your transition smoother.

*Click here to download PDF Version*

📅 UK School Term Dates: 2025/26 Overview

The UK school year is split into three terms:

• Autumn Term (September to December)

• Spring Term (January to April)

• Summer Term (April to July)

Each term is separated by a 1–2 week break, with a longer summer holiday between July and early September.

✈️ When Should You Arrive?

We recommend arriving at least 2–4 weeks before the term begins. This gives you time to:

• Settle into housing

• Open a UK bank account

• Finalise paperwork

• Get familiar with the local area and school expectations

Early arrival can help you feel confident and ready to start your new role.

2025–26 England Public School Term Dates

Autumn Term 2025

📘 Start: Monday 1st September
📘 End: Friday 19th December

• Half Term: Monday 27th – Friday 31st October

Spring Term 2026

📘 Start: Monday 5th January
📘 End: Friday 27th March

• Half Term: Monday 16th – Friday 20th February

Summer Term 2026

📘 Start: Monday 13th April
📘 End: Friday 24th July

• Half Term: Monday 25th – Friday 29th May

Note: Term dates can vary slightly by region or local authority, but these are widely followed by public schools across England.

🧠 Tips for Overseas Educators

• Terms 1 (Autumn) and 2 (Spring) are the best times to arrive for long-term or permanent teaching roles.

• Short-term opportunities and supply teaching are often more available throughout the year, especially after half terms.

• Arriving before the school year begins (late August) offers the most preparation time.

• Summer Term can also be a great entry point, especially for those looking to gain UK experience ahead of the September hiring wave.

💬 Need Help Relocating?

At Prospero Teaching International, we’ve helped thousands of overseas educators from around the world relocate and teach in the UK. We offer:

• Full support with your relocation journey

• CV guidance and interview prep

• Help finding the right teaching role based on your goals

• A community of international teachers to connect with

Whether you’re planning to teach in London, Bristol or beyond — we’ve got you covered.