School Holidays in South Shields

If you have children at school in South Shields, knowing the term dates is essential for planning holidays, childcare, and activities. Here are the South Tyneside Council term dates for the 2026/27 academic year, along with ideas for what to do during each break.

South Tyneside Term Dates 2026/27

South Tyneside Council sets the term dates for community schools in the borough. Academies and faith schools may vary slightly, so always check with your child's school for confirmed dates.

Best for: Dates are indicative based on the council's published framework. Always confirm with your child's school, as academies and faith schools may differ by a day or two.

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What to Do in the Summer Holidays

The summer holidays (approximately six weeks from mid-July) are the longest break and the one that requires the most planning. South Shields is at its best in summer, with beaches, parks, and outdoor events all within easy reach.

• Beaches: Sandhaven Beach has summer lifeguards, and Ocean Beach Pleasure Park has over 40 rides with free entry
• Parks: South Marine Park has a boating lake, miniature railway, and play parks
• Heritage: Arbeia Roman Fort runs free family activities during the summer, including hands-on archaeology and Roman-themed crafts
• Swimming: Haven Point has slides, water play, and a competition pool
• Events: The This is South Tyneside Festival runs throughout the summer, including the free Sunday Concerts at Bents Park

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What to Do in Half Term

Half-term breaks are shorter (one week) but still need filling. Here are some reliable options for each season:

October Half Term

• Indoor activities at The Word — free interactive exhibits and fabrication lab
• Swimming at Haven Point
• Halloween events at Ocean Beach Pleasure Park and local venues

February Half Term

• Soft play and bowling at The Dunes on Sea Road
• The Customs House cinema — catch a family film
• Indoor gymnastics and trampolining at the South Tyneside Gymnastics Centre

Easter Holidays

• Egg hunts and spring trails at Souter Lighthouse (National Trust)
• Coastal walks along The Leas as the seabird season begins
• Outdoor play at South Marine Park

May Half Term

• The beaches start to warm up — Sandhaven and Littlehaven are both excellent for families
• Arbeia Roman Fort reopens for the season with free admission
• Cycling along the seafront promenade

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Holiday Childcare

If you need childcare during the school holidays, several providers in South Shields offer holiday clubs:

• South Shields Surf School runs week-long holiday clubs for ages 8 to 16 on Sandhaven Beach
• South Tyneside Gymnastics Centre runs gymnastics holiday camps at Temple Park
• Harton Village Kindergarten offers holiday care with school pick-ups during term time
• South Tyneside HAF Programme provides free holiday activities and food for children who receive free school meals — check the council website for details

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Taking Holidays During Term Time

South Tyneside Council's policy is clear: holidays during term time are not authorised except in exceptional circumstances. Unauthorised absences of five or more days may result in a penalty notice of 80 pounds per parent, per child (rising to 160 pounds if not paid within 21 days).

If you need to request a term-time absence, write to the head teacher explaining the exceptional circumstances. The decision rests with the school.

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For more on education in South Shields, see our guide to the best schools. For things to do with children, read our guides to summer activities, birthday party venues, and rainy day activities.