ACT Public School Holidays 2026: Term Dates & Planning Guide
Planning Ahead for ACT Families in 2026
For Australian families in the Australian Capital Territory, knowing the school holiday schedule well in advance is crucial for planning trips, childcare, and family time. While exact term dates for 2026 are not yet officially released by the ACT Education Directorate, we can provide a highly reliable projected schedule based on the established annual pattern and historical data. This guide helps you plan with confidence, but it is essential that you verify all dates with the official ACT Education website closer to the time.
Projected 2026 ACT Public School Term Dates
The ACT typically follows a four-term structure with consistent break lengths. The projected dates for 2026 are based on the standard calendar, which usually starts late January/early February and concludes in mid-December. The below table outlines the expected schedule:
| Term | Start Date (Projected) | End Date (Projected) | Holiday Break (Projected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tuesday, 3 February 2026 | Friday, 16 April 2026 | 2.5 weeks |
| 2 | Tuesday, 5 May 2026 | Friday, 3 July 2026 | 2 weeks |
| 3 | Monday, 20 July 2026 | Friday, 25 September 2026 | 2 weeks |
| 4 | Monday, 12 October 2026 | Friday, 18 December 2026 | 5 weeks (Christmas) |
Important Notes on Projections:
- Start of Term 1: The first day of Term 1 is usually for students only, following a teacher-only day. The date shown is the first student day.
- Easter: The Term 1 break includes the Easter public holiday period. The exact dates of Easter Sunday in 2026 (5 April) will influence the length of this break.
- Teacher Professional Learning: The first two days of Term 2 and Term 3 are typically designated for teacher professional learning, meaning students do not attend on these days. This is a standard ACT practice.
- Verification is Mandatory: These dates are an informed projection. The ACT Education Directorate formally publishes the term dates around mid-2025. Always confirm at education.act.gov.au.
How ACT Dates Compare to Other States
Understanding how ACT school terms align (or don’t) with neighbouring New South Wales (NSW) and other states is key for cross-border travel planning.
- ACT vs. NSW: The ACT and NSW public school term dates are often very similar but not identical. The ACT may start or end a term a few days earlier or later than NSW. For 2026 projections, the patterns are expected to closely align, but discrepancies are common, especially around the start of the year and the end of Term 4. If your travel involves schools in both jurisdictions, you must check both calendars.
- Other States: Victoria and Queensland often have slightly different term structures. For example, Queensland sometimes has a shorter summer break and may finish the school year earlier in December. A family travelling from the ACT to Queensland in December 2026 might find QLD schools finishing before ACT schools.
- Catholic & Independent Schools: These schools in the ACT generally follow the same term dates as public schools but can have slight variations, particularly for staff professional development days. Always check directly with your child’s specific school.
Strategic Planning Using the School Calendar
With projected dates in hand, you can make smarter decisions.
1. Book Travel Early
- Peak Periods: The two-week July and September/October holidays are peak travel times within Australia. Flights and accommodation, especially to popular destinations like the Queensland coast or ski fields, book out months in advance.
- ValueTravel: For better deals, consider travelling during the shorter Term 1 or Term 3 breaks, or plan a trip that starts immediately after a term finishes.
- Long Summer Break: The five-week Christmas holidays offer the most flexibility for long-haul overseas travel or extended road trips, but demand is highest and prices peak.
2. Secure Childcare & Activities
- Vacation Care: The ACT government and various organisations run vacation care programs during school holidays. These programs book out quickly, particularly for the July and October breaks. Research and enrol as soon as your projected dates are clear.
- Workshops & Camps: Sports, arts, and STEM holiday camps are popular. Use the projected term dates to monitor enrolment openings, which often begin a term in advance.
3. Plan Around Public Holidays
The ACT observes all national public holidays, plus some local ones like Canberra Day (second Monday in March). These public holidays often fall within school breaks, extending family time. For 2026 planning:
- Easter (5 April 2026): Falls within the Term 1 holiday period.
- Anzac Day (27 April 2026): This is a public holiday on a Monday, immediately following the Term 1 break for many.
- Labour Day (first Monday in October 2026): Falls early in Term 4.
- Christmas & Boxing Day: Fall within the long summer break.
4. Factor in ‘Student-Free Days’
Be aware of the teacher professional learning days at the start of Terms 2 and 3. While students are not required at school, many families use these days for short trips or appointments, as they are not official public holidays and most workplaces are open.
The Critical Final Step: Official Verification
This guide provides a strong planning framework based on historical patterns. However, the only authoritative source for ACT public school holidays 2026 is the ACT Education Directorate.
Action Steps for Late 2025/Early 2026:
- Bookmark the official page: ACT Education Directorate School Dates.
- Check for updates: The confirmed 2026 term calendar is typically published around June-July 2025.
- Confirm with your school: Your child’s specific school will publish its own calendar, noting any additional student-free days or variations.
- Sign up for alerts: Subscribe to newsletters from your school and the Education Directorate for direct notifications.
By using these projected dates for initial planning and then verifying officially, ACT families can effectively organise their 2026 year, avoiding costly surprises and maximising precious family time.