Keeping up with school term dates can be a challenge, especially for busy parents with more than one school-going child. As such, having a clear overview of the academic calendar can be helpful, not just for planning holidays and travel but for ensuring children are rested, ready and able to thrive each term. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to the term dates at Lord Wandsworth College from 2025 to 2027. Whether you’re new to LWC or looking to coordinate term breaks with siblings in other schools, here’s all the important information that will help you plan ahead and make the most of our school’s term dates.
and holidayWhat Are Schools’ Term Dates and Why Do They Matter?
Definition and Purpose of Term Dates in the UK
Schools’ term dates refer to the official start and end points of each academic term. In the UK, the school year is typically divided into three terms: autumn, spring and summer; each with a half-term break in the middle and a longer holiday at the end.
For independent schools like LWC, these dates are determined by the school itself rather than by the local authority, although they often align broadly with Hampshire schools’ term dates set by Hampshire County Council.
How School Term Dates in Hampshire Affect Academic Planning and Family Scheduling
A reliable set of term dates for Hampshire schools helps families manage everything from booking trips and childcare to aligning time off work. It ensures smoother transitions between terms, supports consistent attendance and gives students the structure they need to stay focused and confident throughout the year. It also helps students to avoid missing vital teaching time or assessments. In short, good planning starts with knowing the calendar well and using it to its full advantage.
Lord Wandsworth College Term Dates (2025–2027)
Full Term Calendar: Autumn, Spring & Summer
From staff training and pupil return days to exeats and half-terms, our academic year is carefully structured to support learning, student wellbeing and holiday planning. Here’s a quick overview of our school’s term dates at LWC:
Term Dates
| Lessons Begin | Half Term | End of Term | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term 2025 | Friday 5 September | Friday 17 October – Sunday 2 November |
Friday 12 December |
| Spring Term 2026 | Monday 5 January | Friday 13 – Sunday – 22 February |
Friday 27 March |
| Summer Term 2026 | Monday 20 April | Friday 22 May – Sunday 31 May |
Wednesday 1 July |
|
Autumn Term 2026 (provisional dates) |
Friday 4 September | Friday 16 October – Sunday 1 November |
Wednesday 16 December |
|
Spring Term 2027 (provisional dates) |
Thursday 7 January | Friday 12 February – Sunday 21 February |
Thursday 25 March |
|
Summer Term 2027 (provisional dates) |
Monday 19 April | Friday 28 May – Sunday 6 June |
Wednesday 7 July |
For full details including boarders’ return, staff training days, exeats and timings, please download the LWC Term Dates 2025–2027 PDF here.
How Term Dates for Schools Vary by County
State schools in Hampshire are usually guided by the local authority. However, at independent schools like Lord Wandsworth College, we set our own schedules. This flexibility allows us to tailor the academic year to suit our curriculum and boarding life, whilst staying in sync with many schools’ term dates across the region.
Do Independent Schools Like LWC Follow the Same Calendar?
Not exactly, but the overlap is often intentional. For instance, LWC’s term dates are designed with both convenience and community in mind. We understand many families may have children in multiple schools and aim to make transitions smooth wherever possible.
Key Holidays to Note in the Hampshire Schools’ Term Dates
Christmas, Easter, and Summer Break
These are the longest breaks in the academic calendar and parents tend to plan for these well in advance. They offer valuable time for rest and reconnection as a family, whether that’s through long-haul trips, visiting extended relatives or simply enjoying unhurried days at home.
- Christmas holidaytypically runs from mid-December to early January.
- Easter holidaysusually fall between late March and mid-April.
- Summer holidaysbegin in early July and run through August.
Whilst exact dates vary year by year, these holidays provide ample family time, the chance for travel, and more importantly, a well-earned reset.
Half-Terms and Public Holidays
LWC observes standard half-term breaks in the middle of each term. Public holidays such as May Bank Holidays are also noted within the calendar, with boarding return times clearly stated.
For example:
- May Bank Holiday 2025: Monday 5 May
- May Bank Holiday 2026: Monday 4 May
Planning Tips for Parents: Making the Most of School Term Dates in Hampshire
Booking Travel and Family Time
With LWC’s term dates in hand, parents can avoid the stress of last-minute bookings and expensive travel costs. It becomes easier to plan longer holidays ahead of time, coordinate logistics with other schools or schedule precious family time together. Always check return times, especially for boarders, to ensure your child is back, rested and ready for the term ahead.
Pro tip: Exeats (short weekend breaks during term time) are an ideal opportunity for shorter trips or downtime at home.
Avoiding Peak Holiday Costs
One of the advantages of knowing your term dates early is the chance to book travel before prices surge. Families who book during less popular windows often enjoy significant savings. Some LWC families also coordinate with other parents to share travel or childcare during these breaks, especially if siblings are in different schools.
Check Lord Wandsworth College Term Dates
For the most up-to-date information, visit our official term dates page here. This is where you’ll find detailed breakdowns of each term, including:
- Term start and end dates
- Return and departure timings
- Boarding House opening hours
- Public holidays and staff training days
Having this all in one place makes it easier for families to plan ahead, whether you’re local, international, day or boarding.