School holiday dates for 2018/19 have been published by the Department of Education and Children.

The holidays include two weeks off for pupils for TT 2019 – as happened most recently in 2015. Staff will undertake training during TT practice week.

Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said: ‘The Department publishes holidays well in advance to enable busy parents to plan. We consult closely with schools and professional associations over the dates.

‘Inevitably, roads are busy during TT and this affects journeys to and from schools, even those not on the TT course, so in considering our holiday pattern for 2018/19, we opted to close schools for the whole fortnight.

‘In addition, we believe parents will welcome the opportunity to take a break at a time when most UK schools are open and therefore the cost of travel may be cheaper.’

The Minister said: ‘Parents with children taking external examinations during TT 2019 are reminded that the dates are set by UK boards and exams will continue through TT.’

Schools will be closed to pupils from Friday 2nd to Friday 9th June inclusive for TT 2017 and Friday 1st to Friday 8th June for TT 2018.

Full school holiday dates to the end of summer term 2019 can be found at www.gov.im