2026 ACT School Holidays: Dates & Planning Guide
Planning Ahead for 2026
For Australian families in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), knowing the upcoming school holiday dates is essential for organizing vacations, childcare, and activities well in advance. While exact dates for 2026 are not yet officially released, we provide the projected schedule based on historical patterns and the standard ACT academic calendar. This allows you to start preliminary planning, but it is critical that you verify all dates with the ACT Education Directorate or your child’s school once they are published.
Important Disclaimer & Verification
School term dates are set by state and territory education authorities. The information below is a projection based on the typical ACT calendar, which historically aligns closely with New South Wales public schools. Dates can be subject to change. Always confirm the final, official 2026 calendar from the ACT Education Directorate website or your school’s newsletter before booking non-refundable travel or accommodation.
Expected 2026 ACT Term Dates
ACT government schools generally operate on a four-term structure, with terms lasting approximately 10 weeks. The following table outlines the projected start and end dates for each term, along with the corresponding holiday periods for 2026.
| Term | Start Date (Projected) | End Date (Projected) | Holiday Period (Projected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday, 27 Jan 2026 | Friday, 27 Mar 2026 | Saturday, 28 Mar - Sunday, 18 Apr |
| Term 2 | Tuesday, 21 Apr 2026 | Friday, 26 Jun 2026 | Saturday, 27 Jun - Sunday, 12 Jul |
| Term 3 | Monday, 13 Jul 2026 | Friday, 18 Sep 2026 | Saturday, 19 Sep - Sunday, 5 Oct |
| Term 4 | Monday, 6 Oct 2026 | Friday, 18 Dec 2026 | Saturday, 19 Dec 2026 - Sunday, 31 Jan 2027 |
Note: The first day of Term 1 is often a pupil-free day for staff planning, with students starting on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. Verify this detail.
Public Holidays and Additional Non-School Days
The ACT observes all national public holidays and some additional local events. Public holidays that fall within school terms (e.g., Labour Day in March, ANZAC Day in April, King’s Birthday in June) mean students do not attend school on those days. Additionally, schools may have occasional pupil-free days for staff development, reporting, or parent-teacher interviews. These are set by individual schools and must be added to your personal calendar.
Strategic Planning for Family Travel
1. Book Early for School Holiday Periods
The holiday periods listed above are when all ACT families are travelling. Flights, accommodation, and popular attractions book out months, even a year, in advance. If your travel must occur during these times, securing bookings as soon as your plans are confirmed is non-negotiable.
2. Consider ‘Shoulder’ Travel for Better Value
For significant cost savings and fewer crowds, plan your main family holiday during term time. This requires taking your children out of school, a decision that involves weighing educational disruption against financial and experiential benefits. If you choose this, discuss it with your child’s teacher well ahead to manage catch-up work.
3. Align with Other States’ Calendars
The ACT calendar is identical to NSW public schools. However, if you plan to visit family or travel in other states (e.g., Queensland, which often has different term dates), you must check their specific 2026 calendars. A child might be on holiday in the ACT but in the middle of term in another state, affecting your plans and childcare needs.
4. Plan for Teacher Development Days
These sporadic pupil-free days, often at the start or end of a term, can be a hidden opportunity for a short break without missing a full week of school. Keep an eye on communications from your school for these dates.
Key Differences for Non-Government Schools
Independent and Catholic schools in the ACT often follow a very similar term structure to government schools but may have slightly different start/end dates, especially for Term 4, or different pupil-free days. Parents with children in non-government schools must obtain their specific 2026 calendar directly from the school.
Conclusion
While the projected 2026 ACT school holiday dates provide a reliable framework for initial planning, your final action step is verification. Mark these projected dates tentatively, monitor the ACT Education Directorate’s announcements, and confirm with your school. This approach balances the need for forward planning with the necessity of accuracy, helping your family make the most of the 2026 school year.
Remember: The only definitive source for 2026 ACT school holidays is the official ACT Education Directorate calendar, to be released in late 2025.