Term Dates

WAES operates a three-term academic year, with term 1 typically beginning in September, term 2 in January and term 3 in April.

Below are listed the term dates for the current academic year along with key dates, centre closure dates (correct at time of publication) and public holidays. You can also view the opening times for term time and holidays.

Academic year 2025-26

Please note, our term dates vary – some courses may start later or finish earlier than others, so please check the dates for your specific course.

Term 1

Term time: 8 September – 19 December 2025
Autumn half term holiday: 26 October – 2 November 2025

Term 2

Term time: 5 January – 28 March 2026
Spring half term holiday: 15 February – 22 February 2026

Term 3

Term time: 13 April – 16 July 2026
Summer half term holiday: 24 May – 31 May 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Please note, our term dates vary – some courses may start later or finish earlier than others, so please check the dates for your specific course.

Term 1

Term time: 14 September – 18 December 2026
Autumn half term holiday: 25 October – 1 November 2025

Term 2

Term time: 4 January – 25 March 2027
Spring half term holiday: 14 February – 21 February 2027

Term 3

Term time: 12 April – 15 July 2027
Summer half term holiday: 30 May – 6 June 2027

Special closure days and other public holidays

WAES centres are closed on the following days:

Monday 4 May 2026 – all centres closed for Early May Bank Holiday
Tuesday 5 May 2026 – all centres closed for Staff Development Day
Monday 25 May 2026 – all centres closed for Spring Bank Holiday
Friday 17 July 2026 – all centres closed for Staff Conference
Monday 31 August 2026 – all centres closed for Summer Bank Holiday
Tuesday 1 September 2026 – all centres closed for Staff Development Day
Friday 11 December 2026 – all centres closed for Staff Development Day
Sunday 20 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027 – all centres closed for Christmas Closure
Friday 26 March 2027 – all centres closed for Good Friday
Monday 29 March 2027 – all centres closed for Easter Monday
Monday 3 May 2027 – all centres closed for Early May Bank Holiday
Tuesday 4 May 2027 – all centres closed for Staff Development Day
Monday 31 May 2027 – all centres closed for Spring Bank Holiday
Friday 16 July 2027 – all centres closed for Staff Conference
Monday 30 August 2027 – all centres closed for Summer Bank Holiday