Schools can choose the exact date within this five-day period, meaning the first day of classes may vary between different schools and areas of the country.

The dates apply to preschool education, the first, second and third cycles of basic education, professional courses, specialised artistic courses and most other educational programmes.

However, students enrolled in scientific-humanistic secondary school courses will return slightly later. Their first day of classes has been set for Monday, 21 September.

This includes students studying Sciences and Technologies, Socioeconomic Sciences, Languages and Humanities, and Visual Arts.

The later starting date was introduced through an amendment published in the Diário da República on 21 August.

School holiday dates

The first term will run until 15 December, with the Christmas school break beginning on 16 December. Classes will resume on 4 January 2027.

The Carnival break is scheduled from 8 to 10 February, while the second term finishes on 19 March.

The Easter school holidays will take place from 22 March until 2 April, with pupils returning for the third term on 5 April.

When does the school year finish?

The end of the school year varies depending on the pupil’s year group.

Students in Years 9, 11 and 12 will finish classes on 4 June 2027.

For pupils in Years 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10, the school year ends on 11 June.

Preschool children and pupils attending the first cycle of basic education will have classes until 30 June.