50 Best Songs to Play at an End of Term Party
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Aug 04, 2026
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By Learn How To Be a DJ
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DJ Playlist Ideas
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4 min read
50 Best Songs to Play at an End of Term Party
An End of Term Party is a celebration of achievement, friendship and the beginning of a well deserved break. Whether it is for primary school pupils, secondary school students, college learners or university students, the right music helps create an unforgettable atmosphere where everyone can relax, celebrate and make lasting memories. A carefully planned playlist encourages people onto the dance floor, creates singalong moments and keeps energy levels high from the first track until the final song.
The audience at an End of Term Party can vary significantly depending on age, so it is important to choose music that is widely recognised, upbeat and suitable for the occasion. Popular chart hits, dance anthems, pop classics, R&B favourites, disco hits, Afrobeats, commercial house and feel good throwbacks all work exceptionally well. For younger audiences, clean versions should always be used where appropriate.
The energy should gradually build throughout the event. Begin with well known feel good songs while guests arrive and socialise, then move into bigger dance floor favourites as confidence grows. Towards the middle of the event, play the biggest singalong records and modern chart anthems before finishing with memorable classics that everyone knows.
Variety is equally important. Mixing music from different decades keeps the playlist fresh and ensures there is something for every guest. Combining current chart favourites with timeless classics creates a playlist that appeals to different musical tastes while maintaining a lively atmosphere.
This guide features 50 Best Songs to Play at an End of Term Party, providing DJs, teachers, event organisers and party hosts with a reliable reference for building an enjoyable and energetic playlist that keeps the celebration moving from beginning to end.
50 Best Songs to Play at an End of Term Party
| No. | Song | Artist | Original Release Year | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Can’t Stop the Feeling! | Justin Timberlake | 2016 | Pop |
| 2 | Happy | Pharrell Williams | 2013 | Pop |
| 3 | Shut Up and Dance | Walk the Moon | 2014 | Pop Rock |
| 4 | I Gotta Feeling | The Black Eyed Peas | 2009 | Dance Pop |
| 5 | Firework | Katy Perry | 2010 | Pop |
| 6 | Dance Monkey | Tones and I | 2019 | Pop |
| 7 | Levitating | Dua Lipa | 2020 | Disco Pop |
| 8 | Blinding Lights | The Weeknd | 2019 | Synth Pop |
| 9 | As It Was | Harry Styles | 2022 | Pop |
| 10 | Wake Me Up | Avicii | 2013 | EDM |
| 11 | One Kiss | Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa | 2018 | House |
| 12 | Titanium | David Guetta featuring Sia | 2011 | Dance |
| 13 | Rather Be | Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne | 2014 | Dance Pop |
| 14 | Pompeii | Bastille | 2013 | Indie Pop |
| 15 | Counting Stars | OneRepublic | 2013 | Pop Rock |
| 16 | Cake by the Ocean | DNCE | 2015 | Funk Pop |
| 17 | Treasure | Bruno Mars | 2013 | Funk Pop |
| 18 | Uptown Funk | Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars | 2014 | Funk |
| 19 | Don’t Start Now | Dua Lipa | 2019 | Disco Pop |
| 20 | Shake It Off | Taylor Swift | 2014 | Pop |
| 21 | Roar | Katy Perry | 2013 | Pop |
| 22 | Good Time | Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen | 2012 | Pop |
| 23 | Starships | Nicki Minaj | 2012 | Dance Pop |
| 24 | Dynamite | BTS | 2020 | Disco Pop |
| 25 | We Found Love | Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris | 2011 | Dance Pop |
| 26 | Dance the Night | Dua Lipa | 2023 | Disco Pop |
| 27 | Water | Tyla | 2023 | Amapiano |
| 28 | Calm Down | Rema & Selena Gomez | 2022 | Afrobeats |
| 29 | Essence | Wizkid featuring Tems | 2020 | Afrobeats |
| 30 | This Is What You Came For | Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna | 2016 | Dance |
| 31 | Mr. Brightside | The Killers | 2003 | Indie Rock |
| 32 | Valerie | Mark Ronson featuring Amy Winehouse | 2007 | Soul Pop |
| 33 | September | Earth, Wind & Fire | 1978 | Disco |
| 34 | Dancing Queen | ABBA | 1976 | Disco |
| 35 | YMCA | Village People | 1978 | Disco |
| 36 | Celebration | Kool & the Gang | 1980 | Funk |
| 37 | Footloose | Kenny Loggins | 1984 | Rock |
| 38 | Walking on Sunshine | Katrina and the Waves | 1985 | Pop Rock |
| 39 | Sweet Caroline | Neil Diamond | 1969 | Pop |
| 40 | Livin’ on a Prayer | Bon Jovi | 1986 | Rock |
| 41 | Hey Ya! | Outkast | 2003 | Hip Hop |
| 42 | Party Rock Anthem | LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock | 2011 | Electro Pop |
| 43 | Feel So Close | Calvin Harris | 2011 | Dance |
| 44 | Rather Be Alone | Shane Codd | 2021 | House |
| 45 | Freed from Desire | Gala | 1996 | Eurodance |
| 46 | Don’t You Worry Child | Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin | 2012 | Progressive House |
| 47 | Levels | Avicii | 2011 | EDM |
| 48 | On Top of the World | Imagine Dragons | 2012 | Pop Rock |
| 49 | Best Day of My Life | American Authors | 2013 | Indie Pop |
| 50 | Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) | Green Day | 1997 | Acoustic Rock |
Learn How to Become a DJ
If creating playlists like this has inspired you to take your passion for music further, now is the perfect time to learn the skills that professional DJs use every day. Understanding music selection, mixing techniques, beatmatching, crowd reading and event preparation can help you perform confidently at parties, weddings, clubs and corporate events.
Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to improve your existing skills, the How to Become a DJ guide provides practical, easy to follow tuition that covers everything from choosing your first DJ equipment to performing successful live sets. The accompanying ebook has been written to help aspiring DJs develop real world skills through clear explanations, proven techniques and professional advice, making it an excellent resource for anyone serious about becoming a successful DJ.