South Lanarkshire Council is expected to approve the proposed school holiday calendar for the 2027/28 academic year this week.
A report was presented to the Education Resources Committee yesterday which recommended councillors approve the calendar.
The proposals follow a public consultation which 519 people took part in. Around 68 per cent (250 respondents) backed the proposed dates, while 32 per cent (168 respondents) opposed them.
READ MORE:
South Lanarkshire school described as 'sector-leading' in Scotland
Horror at animal boarding firm as couple kept dogs in unsafe conditions
Nearly 1000 sex offenders monitored in this area as councils fund new watchdog role
Lanarkshire one of only two Scottish areas to access new £85million health project
Those who disagreed raised a number of recurring concerns, including the length of the summer holidays, calls for a longer October break, changes to the Christmas and New Year holiday period, and better alignment with neighbouring local authorities.
Many respondents argued that shortening the six-week summer break and redistributing some of those days throughout the school year would create a more balanced calendar and help families manage childcare on annual leave.
Others suggested extending the October break to a full two weeks, while some called for pupils to return later in January after the festive holidays. There were also concerns about the timing of in-service days, particularly when they fall around weekends or in the middle of the week.
Despite the feedback, council officers say the comments will not result in changes to the proposed 2027/28 calendar.
The report states that the proposed dates meet all legal requirements, are broadly aligned with neighbouring authorities and received clear majority support during the consultation. However, the feedback will be considered when school calendars are reviewed.
Under the proposed calendar:
Teachers return: August 13, 2027
Pupils return: August 17, 2027
September weekend: September 24-27, 2027
October break: October 11-15, 2027
Christmas holidays: Schools close on December 21 at 2.30pm with pupils returning on January 5 2028.
February break: February 14 and 15, 2028.
Spring break: April 3-17, 2028.
May Day: May 1
Summer holidays begin:June 27, 2028 at 1pm.
Lanark schools would again follow separate local holiday arrangements in June instead of the May local holiday meetings.
The report also notes that the allocation of teacher in-service days could still change if the Scottish Government agrees to additional national training days as part of its ongoing curriculum reform programme. Any necessary amendments would be made by council officers following national decisions.
Share