How Many Days in a School Year?

If you’re planning a teaching career in the UK or simply curious about the academic calendar, you might be wondering: how many days are there in a school year?

In the UK, the number of days is set by law. Pupils attend for 190 days per year, while teachers work 195 days to include additional training and development.

Let’s explore what that means in practice and how the school year is structured across the UK.

How Many Days are there in a School Year in England and Wales?

In England and Wales:

• 190 days for pupils – These are the compulsory teaching days.

• 195 days for teachers – Teachers also complete 5 extra days, known as INSET days (In-Service Training Days), used for planning, assessment, or whole-school training.

The academic year runs from early September to mid-July, broken into three terms:

• Autumn Term (September–December, with a week off in October and two weeks at Christmas)

• Spring Term (January–April, with a week off in February and two weeks at Easter)

• Summer Term (April–July, with a week off in May and a six-week summer holiday)

How Many Days are there in a School Year in Scotland?

In Scotland, pupils also attend school for around 190 days each year. Teachers, again, have additional in-service days.

The Scottish school year runs from mid-August to late June, with breaks in:

• October (one to two weeks)

• December/January (two weeks at Christmas)

• March/April (two weeks at Easter)

• July/August (around six weeks in summer)

How Many Days are there in a School Year in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland follows a similar pattern to England and Wales, with 190 pupil days and extra training days for teachers. Term dates are set by local authorities, but the structure usually includes:

• Autumn (September–December)

• Spring (January–April)

• Summer (April–June)

Why Is It Important to Know?

Understanding the number of school days is key for:

• Planning travel and holidays around the school calendar.

• Work–life balance, as teaching schedules can be demanding.

• Career moves – especially if you’re relocating to the UK for teaching, knowing term dates helps you prepare for job applications and arrival.

Considering Teaching in the UK?

At Prospero Teaching, we work with teachers from the UK and overseas to secure rewarding opportunities in schools. Whether you want supply, long-term, or permanent roles, we’re here to support your journey.