Christmas school holidays Preston 2020: when schools break up for Xmas - and date they go back in January

The Christmas holidays are fast approaching
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Christmas is seemingly right around the corner, with the mania of the festive season already starting to settle in.

In between the early present-buying and decorating, there’s something else to prepare for - the end of the autumn school term.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Pupils are eagerly looking forward to the break so they can wave goodbye to an academic year like none other.

Students will be looking forward to the time off (Shutterstock)Students will be looking forward to the time off (Shutterstock)
Students will be looking forward to the time off (Shutterstock)

Here’s when the Christmas holiday date is for Preston.

When are the school Christmas holidays in Preston?

The government announced that some schools in England are now able to decide to give pupils an extra day off before the Christmas holidays – making Friday 18th December an optional inset day for teacher training instead.

It will be up to individual schools whether to use the optional inset day, so you should check directly with your child’s school when the last day of term is.

These are the official school holidays currently on the council website.

Last day of term: Friday 18 December.

Start of Christmas holiday: Monday 21 December.

End of Christmas holiday: Friday 1 January.

New spring term in 2021: Monday 4 January.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Some schools, such as academies, free schools, foundation schools and faith schools, set their own term dates - so it is useful to contact your child’s individual school directly if you’re unsure.

Can families go on holiday during Christmas?

People in all tier restrictions in England are permitted to go on holiday.

At the end of November, the transport secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that those living in Tier 3 would be able to travel abroad for leisure - but only if they go “straight to the airport”.

Downing Street then confirmed that there will be no legal obstruction when it comes to travelling abroad for a holiday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

For those living in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas, you are also permitted to travel abroad and you will be able to travel into Tier 3 areas to board a flight.

Members of the public are advised to check FCO advice for their chosen destination and also the UK Government’s travel corridor list before booking.

However, for those in Tier 3, UK-based holidays are not permitted under the new rules unless for essential reasons, as the government has instructed residents to avoid travelling out of their area.

Yet, those in Tier 1 and Tier 2 are permitted to take a staycation in another Tier 1 or Tier 2 area, with hotels and accommodation able to re-open.

When are the school holidays in 2021?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With a coronavirus vaccine now on the horizon, 2021’s school term could be more normal than what has played out this year.

Lancashire City Council has already published dates for next year’s school holidays.

Spring half term will take place from Monday 15 February to Friday 19 February.

The Easter holiday will be from Friday 26 March with schools going back on Monday 12 April.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Summer half term will begin on Monday 31 May and last until Friday 4 June.

And the summer holidays will take place from Tuesday 20 July.

Hopefully, families will be able to go on holiday and take trips by then.