Bank Holidays 2021: Full List of UK Public Holidays
If you are an international student taking a course in the UK, you may have questions as to how UK bank holidays work. Not to mention, the dates of all UK bank holidays in 2021 and how you stand to be affected.
UK Bank Holidays 2021: What is a Bank Holiday?
A bank holiday in the UK is essentially what’s referred to as a public holiday elsewhere. It’s a day where all banks, businesses and educational institutions have traditionally closed, uniting the country in a national holiday of sorts.
These days, bank holidays are not quite as formal or unified as they used to be. Most banks and businesses close for the day, but the overwhelming majority of retailers, hospitality outlets and entertainment venues stay open.
In fact, bank holidays are among the busiest shopping days of the year, with millions enjoying a day off work looking to spend their money.
Do UK Bank Holidays Affect Online Students?
If you are taking an online course of any kind, your studies will not be affected by a bank holiday in the UK. There’s a chance you may be unable to contact your tutor or any other faculty members on the day, but you’ll still have round-the-clock access to your course materials and resources online.
There are no formal requirements for colleges or universities to suspend their services on bank holidays.
Do UK Bank Holidays Affect On-Campus Students?
On-campus students may be affected in that it is unlikely any classes or lectures will be held on a bank holiday. All facilities across the college or university campus will still be accessible, but most staff and faculty members will be given the day off.
While students are perfectly entitled to continue their studies as normal on a bank holiday, most take the opportunity to enjoy their free day relaxing.
When Are the UK’s Bank Holidays This Year?
2021 UK bank holiday dates differ slightly between the four countries of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Bank holiday dates are the same for England and Wales in 2021 - the full list is as follows:
- 1 January (Friday) – New Year’s Day
- 2 April (Friday) – Good Friday
- 5 April (Monday) Easter Monday
- 3 May (Monday) – Early May bank holiday
- 31 May (Monday) – Spring bank holiday
- 30 August (Monday) – Summer bank holiday
- 27 December (Monday) – Christmas Day
- 28 December (Tuesday) – Boxing Day
Northern Ireland’s bank holiday calendar for 2021 is largely similar, though with a couple of slight differences:
- 1 January (Friday) – New Year’s Day
- 17 March (Wednesday) – St Patrick’s Day
- 2 April (Friday) – Good Friday
- 5 April (Monday) – Easter Monday
- 3 May (Monday) – Early May bank holiday
- 31 May (Monday) – Spring bank holiday
- 12 July (Monday) – Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day)
- 30 August (Monday) – Summer bank holiday
- 27 December (Monday) – Christmas Day
- 28 December (Tuesday) – Boxing Day
Meanwhile, the confirmed list of bank holidays for Scotland in 2021 is as below:
- 1 January (Friday) – New Year’s Day
- 4 January (Monday) – 2nd January
- 2 April (Friday) – Good Friday
- 3 May (Monday) – Early May bank holiday
- 31 May (Monday) – Spring bank holiday
- 2 August (Monday) – Summer bank holiday
- 30 November (Tuesday) – St Andrew’s Day
- 27 December (Monday) – Christmas Day
- 28 December (Tuesday) – Boxing Day
Most major bank holidays fall on the same dates each year, but some change from one year to the next. Check with Gov.uk for a full list of all UK bank holiday dates for the next few years.
What Can I Do On a Bank Holiday?
Millions of people across the UK treat bank holidays as an unofficial festival of commerce. Shopping is an extremely popular choice on a bank holiday, resulting packed stores, crowded shopping centres and heavy congestion on the roads.
Day-trips to museums, galleries, zoos, swimming pools and leisure facilities are also popular, though can also be a crowded and congested experience.
For those looking to make more practical use of their time, why not consider an online course next bank holiday? At Oxford Home Study Centre, our exclusive course catalogue includes a wide range of short courses and a selection of free introductory courses, which can be completed in a matter of hours. A great way to boost your knowledge, your skills and your CV, while the rest of the UK is hitting the High Street!
Check out our full portfolio of endorsed home study programs online, or get in touch with Oxford Home Study Centre anytime to learn more.
