| Opening dates | Closing dates | Number of school days |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 2nd September 2008 | Friday 24th October 2008 | 39 |
| Monday 3rd November 2008 | Friday 19th December 2008 | 35 |
| Monday 5th January 2009 | Friday 13th February 2009 | 30 |
| Monday 23rd February 2009 | Friday 3rd April 2009 | 30 |
| Monday 20th April 2009 | Friday 22nd May 2009 | 24* |
| * On Monday 4th May 2008, all schools will be closed for the May Bank Holiday. | ||
| Monday 1st June 2009 | Tuesday 14th July 2009 | 32 |
| Total Pupil Days | 190 | |
Schools may move up to five of the above days to allow for closure for religious observance, professional development activities or use as a polling station. Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools wishing to amend the above dates in this way must inform the authority of the proposed change, and of the alternative dates when schools will be open to pupils.
Schools that are used as polling stations and cannot operate whilst polling takes place must close the school to pupils. In this case, polling day must be taken as one of the five flexible days and an alternative school day identified in lieu to ensure that pupils are taught for the required 190 days. Local election polling takes place on the first Thursday in May.
Voluntary Aided schools are requested to advise the LA of the School Year that will apply to their school.