Primary school · Braintree
John Ray Junior School term dates
John Ray Junior 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 John Ray Junior 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: Braintree, Essex CM7 1HL
Phase: Primary
Ages: 7 to 11
Pupils: 439
Trust: The Compass Partnership of Schools
Map: See where John Ray Junior School is
Website: www.johnray.compassps.uk
Ofsted
Rated Good at its last full inspection, March 2020.
- Personal developmentGood
- Quality of educationGood
- Behaviour and attitudesGood
- Leadership and managementGood
Ofsted checked the school again in March 2025: Standards maintained.
From Ofsted's published inspection data (as at 31 August 2026). Read the full report on Ofsted
Quick answers
When does John Ray Junior School go back after the October half term?
Pupils return on Monday, 2 November 2026. This is from Essex council's standard term dates — John Ray Junior 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 John Ray Junior 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 — John Ray Junior School may set its own, so check with the school.