School Term Dates 2026-27 in Catford and Lewisham

School Term Dates 2026-27 for Catford and Lewisham Schools

Lewisham Council's published term and half-term dates for the 2026-27 school year, with notes on INSET days and where to check your own school.

These are the 2026-27 term dates Lewisham Council publishes for its community schools. Autumn term runs from 2 September to 23 October 2026, with half term from 26 to 30 October. Each school sets five INSET days, which the council does not list, so check your own school's website or newsletter.

Catford.co Editorial3 October 2026

What are the 2026-27 term dates for Lewisham schools?

These are the dates published by Lewisham Council on its school term dates page for community schools in the borough, which covers Catford, Bellingham, Rushey Green and Hither Green.

Autumn term 2026

Term starts Wednesday 2 September 2026 and runs to Friday 23 October 2026 (38 days).
Half term: Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026.

Spring term 2027

First part: Monday 4 January to Friday 12 February 2027 (30 days).
Half term: Monday 15 February to Friday 19 February 2027.
Second part: Monday 22 February to Thursday 25 March 2027 (24 days).

Summer term 2027

First part: Monday 12 April to Friday 28 May 2027 (34 days).
Half term: Monday 31 May to Friday 4 June 2027.
Second part: Monday 7 June to Thursday 22 July 2027 (34 days).

The council's page gives a total of 195 teaching days, with children attending 190 of them.

What about INSET days?

The council says the governing body of each school sets five days for INSET or teacher training, and the page does not list them. Check your own school's website or newsletter for its INSET days and for its own calendar. In SE6, for example, the schools listed in our Catford schools guide each have their own site.

Does the end of term line up with admissions deadlines?

Not directly, but if you are planning ahead for a September 2027 start, the primary application deadline is 15 January 2027 and the secondary deadline is 31 October 2026. See the schools guide for the offer dates.

Where can I find out about school attendance rules?

The council's schools section says children aged 5 to 16 are legally required to attend suitable full-time education, with an attendance page linked from there. If you are thinking about taking your child out of school in term time, speak to the school first.

Frequently asked questions

When does the autumn term start in Lewisham in 2026?

Term starts on Wednesday 2 September 2026 and runs to Friday 23 October 2026, according to the council.

When is October half term in Lewisham in 2026?

Half term is Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026.

When is February half term in Lewisham in 2027?

Half term is Monday 15 February to Friday 19 February 2027.

When does the summer term end in Lewisham in 2027?

The second part of the summer term runs from Monday 7 June to Thursday 22 July 2027.

When are INSET days in Lewisham schools?

The council says the governing body of each school sets five days for INSET or teacher training, and its page does not list them. Check your own school's website or newsletter.

Do children have to attend school in Lewisham?

The council says children aged 5 to 16 are legally required to attend suitable full-time education. If you are thinking about taking your child out of school in term time, speak to the school first.