School holidays & exceptional leave

At ISU we follow the Dutch school holidays.

This means our students have 12 weeks of school holidays. Throughout the school year there are a number of staff study days. On these days the school is closed. Parents/Caregivers whose child(ren) normally go to after school care (BSO) can arrange for them to attend the BSO during staff study days (at extra cost).

In accordance with the Dutch Compulsory Education Act (Leerplichtwet), leave outside of the school holidays is not allowed. Exceptional leave can be granted only in very significant circumstances. You can find more information below.

School holidays 2025-26


  • First day of school: Wednesday 3 Sep
  • Autumn Break: Sat 18 Oct -  Sun 26 Oct 2025
  • Winter Break: From 13:00 on Thu 18 Dec 2025 - Mon 5 Jan 2026
  • Spring Break: Sat 14 Feb - Sun 22 Feb 2026
  • Easter: Mon 6 Apr 2026
  • May Break: Sat 18 Apr - Tue 5 May 2026
  • Ascension: Thu 14 May & Fri 15 May 2026
  • Whitsun: Mon 25 May 2026
  • Summer Holiday: Fri 17 Jul - Tue 1 Sep 2026


Staff study days 2025-26

On these days there is no school for students:

  • Wed 15 Oct 2025
  • Fri 21 Nov 2025
  • Mon 5 Jan 2026
  • Tue 24 Mar 2026
  • Thu 11 Jun 2026


School holidays 2026-27

  • First day of school: Wednesday 2 Sep 2026
  • Autumn Break: Sat 17 Oct - Sun 25 Oct 2026
  • Winter Break: From 13:00 on Thu 17 Dec 2026 - Mon 4 Jan 2027
  • Spring Break: Sat 20 Feb - Sun 28 Feb 2027
  • Easter: Fri 26 - Mon 29 Mar 2027
  • May Break: Sat 24 Apr - Sun 9 May 2027 (including Bevrijdingsdag (5 May) and Ascension day (6 May)
  • Whitsun: Mon 17 May 2027
  • Summer Holiday: Fri 16 Jul - Tue 31 Aug 2027


Staff study days 2026-27

On these days there is no school for students:

Dates to be confirmed.

Exceptional leave

In accordance with the Dutch Compulsory Education Act (Leerplichtwet), leave outside of the school holidays is not allowed. Parents must plan holidays and special events during the official school holidays and in accordance with the school calendar. Exceptional leave can be granted only in very significant circumstances.

The local attendance authority (leerplicht) is responsible for parental compliance with the Dutch Compulsory Education Act and works with ISU in upholding the law. If parents decide to take leave without permission, it can mean parents will be contacted by the attendance authorities (leerplicht).This could also lead to legal proceedings and the imposition of a fine.

Contact secondary.admin@isutrecht.nl or primary.admin@isutrecht.nl should you want to enquire about exceptional leave.