TERM DATES
At UTC Plymouth, we believe that every school day counts towards a student's success. Attending school regularly and on time is vital for maintaining consistent learning, building strong relationships, and making the most of all the opportunities available.
We kindly remind parents and carers to plan holidays and non-urgent medical appointments outside of term time wherever possible. This helps to minimise disruptions to learning and ensures your child stays on track with their education.
2024/2025 Term Dates
Please see the below dates for 2024/2025 academic year. Keep scrolling to see the term dates for 2025/2026.
2025/2026 Term Dates
Please see the below dates for 2025/2026 academic year.
FAQs: New Term Dates and Changes for the 2025/2026 Academic Year
We understand that parents and carers may have questions about the changes to the academic calendar for the 2025/26 school year, including the new two week October half term and twilight sessions. Below, we’ve provided answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand these updates.
Why is the October half term being extended to two weeks?
The decision to extend the October half term was made after a thorough consultation with parents and staff, where the majority supported the change. The extension is designed to:
- Provide students with time to rest and recharge, reducing fatigue and improving focus.
- Allow structured revision opportunities for students to consolidate learning and prepare for assessments.
- Support staff well-being, ensuring they can continue delivering high quality teaching effectively.
How will the school calendar accommodate the extra week in October?
To ensure there is no loss of teaching time, the additional week of holiday in October will be offset by:
- Reallocating INSET days into twilight sessions (see below for details).
- Adjustments to the summer term.
What are twilight sessions? Do I need to bring my child to school on these days?
Yes, your child is still expected to attend school as usual during twilight session days. Twilight sessions are professional development sessions for our staff and replace previous INSET days. The school day will run as follows:
- Monday to Thursday: 8am - 3.15pm
- Friday: 8am - 2pm
Twilight sessions for staff begin at 3.30pm. While these sessions will not affect the school day, after school extracurricular activities may be impacted. We will provide specific updates about any changes to after school activities closer to the dates.
Why does the calendar show a difference in total holiday days this year?
Last year, the calendar showed 195 total holiday days, but this year it shows 190. This difference is because schools are required by law to have students attend for 190 days and teachers work for 195 days. By restructuring INSET days into twilight sessions, we maintain the statutory requirements while adjusting the calendar.
If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to contact the school for clarification.