Quick answer
Every Australian state and territory runs a school year of four terms with a break between each. The long summer holiday sits between Term 4 and Term 1. Each state sets its own dates, so the same break can start a week earlier or later depending on where you live.
How many school terms are there in Australia?
There are four. Term 1 starts in late January or early February, Term 2 after the autumn break in April, Term 3 after the winter break in July, and Term 4 after the spring break in October. Term 4 ends in mid-December. In 2027 Term 1 starts between Wed 27 Jan and Thu 4 Feb depending on the state.
When are the school holidays?
There are four breaks. The autumn break is around Easter in April, the winter break is in late June or July, the spring break is in late September or early October, and the summer break runs from December to late January or early February. Open school holidays by state for every date.
Why do dates differ between states?
Each state or territory education department sets its own calendar. In 2027 the autumn break is about two weeks in most states, but in the Northern Territory it is shorter, from Sat 3 Apr to Sun 11 Apr.
What counts as a school holiday?
A break starts the day after the last day of term and ends the day before the next term starts, so it includes the weekends either side. Students also have public holidays, which are listed on the public holidays page, and some schools have staff-only days that are set by the school.
Frequently asked questions
Do all schools in a state have the same dates?
Government schools follow the state calendar. Independent and Catholic schools often match it but can differ.
Is there a national school calendar?
No. There are eight separate state and territory calendars.
What is a staff-only day?
It is a day when teachers work and students stay home. Schools set these themselves, so they are not listed here.
See also: school holidays by state, back to school, compare two states, printable calendars.
More dates
See which states break up first, how school days are counted and how to plan leave around long weekends. Staff training days inside a term are explained on the pupil-free days page.