School Holidays Portugal: 2025-2026 Schedule

How is the structure of the School year in Portugal?

Three terms divide the school year, providing manageable learning periods interspersed with breaks. This structure helps students stay engaged and prevents burnout.

First Term (start of the academic year)

• Start: Between September 11–15, 2025.
• End: December 16, 2025.
• Focus: Setting the foundation for the year. This term is heavily focused on introducing core subjects and routines.

Second Term (mid-year consolidation)

• Start: January 5, 2026.
• End: March 27, 2026.
• Focus: Consolidating learning from the first term and preparing for assessments. This term includes Carnival celebrations, which are often part of the cultural curriculum.

Third Term (end of the academic year)

• Start: April 13, 2026.
• End:
  • June 5, 2026: 9th, 11th, and 12th grades will be held to prepare for national exams.
  • June 12, 2026: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th grades.
  • June 30, 2026: Preschool and 1st cycle (1st–4th grades).
• Focus: Wrapping up the curriculum, assessments, and end-of-year activities. For older students, this term includes preparation for national exams.

What are the key school breaks in Portugal?

Portugal’s school calendar includes three major breaks, providing families with opportunities to rest and regroup.

• Christmas Break:
  • Dates: December 16, 2025–January 5, 2026.
  • Purpose: Allows students and families to celebrate the festive season.
• Carnival Break:
  • Dates: February 16–18, 2026.
  • Purpose: Coincides with national Carnival festivities, a major cultural event in Portugal.
• Easter Break:
  • Dates: March 30–April 10, 2026.
  • Purpose: Provides rest and prepares students for the final stretch of the school year.

What are the National holidays in Portugal for 2025/2026?

National holidays, which frequently coincide with important cultural or religious events, result in the closure of schools. All across the country, these dates remain fixed:

1. October 5: Republic Day
2. November 1: All Saints’ Day
3. December 1: Restoration of Independence Day
4. December 8: Immaculate Conception Day
5. December 25: Christmas Day
6. January 1: New Year’s Day
7. February 25: Carnival is observed on Tuesday, often accompanied by a school break.
8. April 3: Good Friday
9. April 25: Freedom Day
10. May 1: Labour Day
11. June 10: Portugal Day

Municipal holidays in Portugal

While the above dates are national, each municipality also observes local holidays, reflecting its unique traditions. For instance:

• Lisbon: St. Anthony’s Day (June 13).
• Porto: St. John’s Day (June 24).

Families must consult their local municipality's calendar to determine school closures for these holidays.

What to expect from each term in Portugal's School system?

First Term

• Highlights: A fresh start for students, establishing routines, and introducing new subjects.
• Important Dates: Schools often organize parent-teacher meetings and initial evaluations.
• Challenges for Families: Adjusting to schedules and preparing for early school activities.

Second Term

• Highlights: A continuation of the curriculum, with significant progress made in core subjects.
• Carnival: Celebrated with school events or small parades.
• Important Dates: Typically, mid-year assessments are held here.

Third Term

• Highlights: Finalizing the curriculum, project presentations, and preparing for exams.
• National Exams: For older students (9th, 11th, and 12th grades), these exams are critical for progression and university applications.
• End-of-Year Activities: Preschool and younger students may participate in closing celebrations.

Public vs. Private vs. International Schools in Portugal: How their calendars differ?

Public Schools

Public schools in Portugal operate strictly under the national school calendar defined by the Ministry of Education.

The Ministry of Education divides the school year into three terms, each with fixed start and end dates, to ensure consistency throughout the country.

The holidays (Christmas, Carnival, Easter) and term breaks apply universally to public schools.

Key considerations for immigrants:

• Public schools follow the same national calendar, so planning holidays and breaks is straightforward.
• Local holidays: Public schools observe closures on municipal holidays, depending on the location. Families should verify these dates specific to their municipality.
• The national calendar offers opportunities for non-native speakers to integrate language support during term time because the curriculum is entirely in Portuguese.

Private Schools

Private schools in Portugal often align their calendars with the national school calendar, but they have some flexibility.

These institutions may slightly adjust the start and end of terms or introduce additional midterm breaks. Most still respect national holidays and the three-term structure.

Advantages for families:

• Slightly extended breaks: Some private schools add days around national holidays or term breaks, offering more flexibility for families.
• Custom schedules: Parents should verify individual school calendars, as adjustments can affect travel plans or family scheduling.

International Schools

International schools have more autonomy over their academic calendars. While many adhere to the three-term structure, their start and end dates can differ significantly from the public school calendar.

Terms often start earlier in September and may conclude by late June, especially for British and American curricula. These schools observe national holidays but are less likely to align with municipal ones.

Key Features for Immigrants:

• Flexibility: International schools offer varying schedules, which may better accommodate expat families' needs.
• Popular Schools:
  • St. Julian's School (Lisbon) follows the British calendar, starting in early September.
  • The British School of Lisbon follows the same term dates as UK schools.
  • The Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL) aligns with the American school system and ends earlier in the summer.