Have your say on Lambeth's School Term and Holiday Dates for the 2027/28 academic year

Introduction

Lambeth Council is responsible for setting the standard school term and holiday dates for all community, community special and maintained nursery schools in the borough.

To assist parents, carers, school leaders, governors and staff; service providers and other agencies and organisations that work with our schools or with young people, Lambeth and the other London boroughs coordinate proposed dates, to help plan work commitments, holidays and significant family events.

Community schools must follow these dates, but the dates for voluntary aided, foundation, foundation special schools and academies are determined by their own governing bodies or trustees, but they are encouraged to agree dates broadly in line with the Council’s. You should always seek confirmation of dates from individual schools.

What are we seeking your views on?

We are seeking your views on the proposed dates for a 195-day school year for the 2027/28 academic year, as required by law. This comprises 190 days when pupils attend school and five professional training days (also known as INSET days). Bank and public holidays have been included.

School term dates must follow national rules set by the Department for Education and take account of exam timetables. Within these limits, there is some flexibility in how the school year is structured.

We would like to understand whether you think the current pattern of term dates works well, or if you would prefer a different balance of term lengths and school holidays across the year.

This survey gives you the opportunity to share your views and suggest any changes you would like us to consider. We welcome feedback from all stakeholders including families, schools and governors.

The survey will be open for 6 weeks from 27 March to 8 May 2026.

How is a decision made?

For community schools it is a political decision, made by the Cabinet member for Children and Families, and we are seeking your feedback beforehand which will also inform future proposals. A summary of your responses will be considered as part of the decision-making process.

Following this survey and formal approval, the agreed dates will be published on the Council’s website here and notified to all schools and academies.

Professional Training Days (INSET)

Each school year, headteachers will need to designate five non-teaching days for staff development (INSET), following survey with staff. These may be allocated as whole day training sessions during pupil holiday periods or by the use of additional hours before or after school sessions. It is for headteachers to decide whether to allocate one or more days more flexibly as twilight sessions.