Secondary school · Harwich
Harwich and Dovercourt High School term dates
Harwich and Dovercourt High School is off for the October half term — back to school .
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These are Essex council's standard term dates. We don't have Harwich and Dovercourt High School's own dates yet — most schools follow these, but academies and some schools set their own dates and INSET (teacher training) days, so check with the school.
School holidays
October Half Term
Last day of school:
Back to school:
Christmas Holiday
Last day of school:
Back to school:
February Half Term
Last day of school:
Back to school:
Easter Holiday
Last day of school:
Back to school:
May Half Term
Last day of school:
Back to school:
Summer Holiday
Last day of school:
Return date not announced yet
Essex council's standard term dates. Always double-check major plans with the school directly. Last updated .
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Where: Harwich, Essex CO12 3TG
Phase: Secondary
Ages: 11 to 16
Pupils: 1,075
Trust: The Sigma Trust
Map: See where Harwich and Dovercourt High School is
Website: www.hdhs.org.uk
Ofsted
Inspected in January 2026 under Ofsted's new report card. Ofsted judged the school to require significant improvement (January 2026). Safeguarding standards: met (January 2026).
- InclusionNeeds attention
- AchievementUrgent improvement
- Personal development and wellbeingNeeds attention
- Curriculum and teachingNeeds attention
- Attendance and behaviourNeeds attention
- Leadership and governanceNeeds attention
From Ofsted's published inspection data (as at 31 August 2026). Read the full report on Ofsted
Quick answers
When does Harwich and Dovercourt High School go back after the October half term?
Pupils return on Monday, 2 November 2026. This is from Essex council's standard term dates — Harwich and Dovercourt High School may set its own, so check with the school. INSET days can change this for individual year groups — the school's own letters are always the final word.
When does Harwich and Dovercourt High School break up for the Christmas holiday?
The last day of school before Christmas Holiday is Friday, 18 December 2026. This is from Essex council's standard term dates — Harwich and Dovercourt High School may set its own, so check with the school.