<P> At the end of each half term, in October, February and May, there is a holiday which lasts about one week (usually nine full days, including two weekends). </P> <P> The Christmas holidays separate the autumn and spring terms, and the Easter holidays separate the spring and summer terms . Each holiday lasts about two weeks . </P> <P> The summer holiday begins in late July, and is usually about six weeks long . The local education authority sets the holiday dates for all schools under its control . Academies set their own dates, but often match the dates of other local schools . There may be days when individual schools are closed due to teacher training, bad weather, or other unplanned events . Parents are advised to contact the school directly with regards to closure, but general information can be found on local radio websites and often the local education authority website . </P> <P> Independent schools (also known as "public schools" (age about 13 +) and "private schools" or "preparatory schools" (under 13) in the UK) generally operate an academic year (Independent academic year) similar to the above, but often have shorter terms and longer holidays . More traditional schools use the term names originating at Oxford University; namely Michaelmas term (autumn), named after the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels on 29 September, Lent term or Easter term (spring) and Trinity term (summer), named after Trinity Sunday which is eight weeks after Easter . </P>

How many terms in a private school year uk