The Department of Education and Skills has announced a recommended schedule of term times and holidays for the pending 2020/2021 school year.
After many months of uncertainty and unknown, schools are finally on track to reopen late August or early September. While it might be the last thing on your mind, some parents need to organise childcare, book time off work, or like me; you might want to book a staycation in advance because let’s face it if we leave it too late the prices tend to skyrocket or book out.
In Ireland, every primary level school must be open for a minimum of 183 days and 167 days for secondary schools. A majority of schools provide their own list of dates of school closures; however, the Department of Education and Skills has announced a recommended schedule of term times and holidays for the pending school year.
October mid-term break
Schools will close for their first term holiday from Monday 26th October 2020 to Friday 30th October 2020 inclusive.
Christmas holidays
Schools across the country are expected to close on Tuesday 22nd December 2020 until they reopen again on Wednesday 6th January 2021 for the much anticipated Christmas break.
February mid-term break
Primary schools are due to close for two day on Thursday 18th February 2021 and Friday 19th February 2021; however, some schools may opt to use three discretionary days to extend this to a five-day break. If so, those schools will return on Monday 15th February 2021.
Secondary schools will close for a week from Monday 15th February 2021 until Friday 19th February 2021. However, this week can be changed if make-up time is required due to unforeseen school closures such as snow days.
St. Patrick's Day
Tuesday 17th March.
Easter holidays
Both primary and post-primary schools will close on Friday 26th March 2021 until Monday 12th April 2021. Similar to February mid-term break, if schools need to make up time, it may shorten the Easter holidays by remaining open until Wednesday 31st March 2021.
May Bank Holiday
Schools will close Monday, 3rd May 2021.
June Bank Holiday
Schools will be closed Monday, 7th June 2021.
Summer holidays
Most schools end on different dates to coincide with unforeseen closures throughout the school year. Your child’s school will be able to advise further.
