10 Academic Dates You May Need Coach Transport For in 2026/27

The new academic year is underway, and before you know it, school calendars will be filling up with trips, educational visits, sporting events and special activities.

For schools, organising transport early can make all the difference. Here are 10 key dates and periods in the 2026/27 academic year when you may want to consider booking coach transport.

1. Back to School: September 2026

The new academic year brings a fresh start and, for many schools, the beginning of a busy programme of trips and activities. September is also a great time to start planning transport for the year ahead.

2. October Half Term: 

Half-term is a popular opportunity for schools and organisations to arrange enrichment activities, sports events and group outings. Booking transport ahead of time can help secure the right coach for your group.

School term dates can vary by school and local authority, so always check your individual school calendar.

3. Remembrance Events: November 2026

November can bring educational visits, remembrance services and history-related activities. A coach can make travelling as a group simple and convenient, particularly when visiting museums, memorials and historical sites.

4. Christmas Trips & Festive Activities: December 2026

From Christmas markets and theatre trips to festive events and school outings, December is a busy month for group travel. With diaries filling quickly, it's worth arranging your transport well in advance.

5. February Half Term: 

The February half-term provides another opportunity for schools and groups to organise activities and day trips. It can also be a useful period for educational and sporting excursions.

6. World Book Day: 4 March 2027

World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity for schools to bring books and learning to life. Why not combine the occasion with a visit to a library, literary attraction, theatre or other educational destination? World Book Day takes place on Thursday 4 March 2027.

7. British Science Week: 

With science, technology, engineering and maths taking centre stage, British Science Week is a great opportunity for educational visits. Schools could use the week as inspiration for trips to science centres, museums, universities and STEM attractions. British Science Week runs from 5–14 March 2027.

8. Easter & Spring Term Trips: 

With Easter approaching, schools often have a packed programme of activities, visits and residential trips. In many parts of England, the Easter break falls around late March and early April, although exact dates vary between schools.

9. May Half Term: 

The final half-term break before the summer is another popular period for group travel. It can be the perfect opportunity for educational visits, sporting events and school outings before the busy final weeks of the academic year.

10. End-of-Year Trips: June & July 2027

From leavers' trips and school celebrations to sports fixtures, educational visits and end-of-year activities, the summer term can be one of the busiest times for school transport.

Planning ahead means you can focus on giving pupils a great experience while we take care of the journey.

Planning a School Trip?

Whether you're arranging a local day out, educational visit, sporting fixture or residential trip, Johnsons Coaches can help make your group travel simple, comfortable and hassle-free.

Book your school transport early and make the journey part of the experience.