ACT school holidays and term dates
Term 4 is on now. The summer holidays start on Saturday 19 December.
2026
| Period | Dates |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | Mon 2 Feb – Thu 2 AprNew students start Fri 30 Jan |
| Autumn holidays | Fri 3 Apr – Mon 20 Apr18 days |
| Term 2 | Tue 21 Apr – Fri 3 July |
| Winter holidays | Sat 4 July – Mon 20 July17 days |
| Term 3 | Tue 21 July – Fri 25 Sept |
| Spring holidays | Sat 26 Sept – Mon 12 Oct17 days |
| Term 4 | Tue 13 Oct – Fri 18 Dec |
| Summer holidaysNext | Sat 19 Dec – Mon 1 Feb 202745 daysNew students start Term 1 Mon 1 Feb 2027 |
2027
| Period | Dates |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tue 2 Feb – Fri 9 AprNew students start Mon 1 Feb |
| Autumn holidays | Sat 10 Apr – Tue 27 Apr18 days |
| Term 2 | Wed 28 Apr – Fri 2 July |
| Winter holidays | Sat 3 July – Mon 19 July17 days |
| Term 3 | Tue 20 July – Fri 24 Sept |
| Spring holidays | Sat 25 Sept – Mon 11 Oct17 days |
| Term 4 | Tue 12 Oct – Fri 17 Dec |
| Summer holidays | Sat 18 Dec – Tue 8 Feb 202853 daysNew students start Term 1 Tue 8 Feb 2028 |
About these dates
- The department publishes term dates only, so the holidays here are the days between two terms, weekends included.
- New students start Term 1 a day or more before everyone else: every Kindergarten, Year 7 and Year 11 student, and anyone new to their school.
- Each term opens with a student-free day for teachers. The dates here are when students start.
- These dates are for ACT public schools. Catholic and independent schools can set their own, so check your school's calendar.
Source: ACT Education Directorate, Public holidays, school terms and daylight saving and School term dates 2026 to 2030 (PDF). Checked on Saturday 3 October 2026.
Common questions
When do the next school holidays start in the ACT?
The next school holidays in the ACT are the summer holidays, starting on Saturday 19 December 2026. Students go back on Tuesday 2 February 2027.
How long are the summer holidays in the ACT?
The 2026–27 summer holidays run from Saturday 19 December 2026 to Monday 1 February 2027, 45 days counting weekends. New students start Term 1 on Monday 1 February 2027.
When does Term 1 2027 start in the ACT?
Students start Term 1 on Tuesday 2 February 2027. New students start on Monday 1 February 2027.
Is Easter inside the school holidays?
Good Friday and Easter Monday (3 and 6 April 2026) fall inside the autumn holidays. Good Friday and Easter Monday (26 and 29 March 2027) fall during Term 1. Schools close on both days.
Are Catholic and independent schools on the same dates?
Not always. These dates are for ACT public schools. Catholic and independent schools can set their own, so check your school's calendar.