Canberra explained
ACT School Holidays & Term Dates 2026
Schools in Canberra follow the the Australian Capital Territory calendar, which runs across four terms in 2026. Here are the official term dates and every school-holiday period for the year.
ACT school term dates 2026
| Term | Students start | Term ends |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Monday 2 February | Thursday 2 April |
| Term 2 | Tuesday 21 April | Friday 3 July |
| Term 3 | Tuesday 21 July | Friday 25 September |
| Term 4 | Tuesday 13 October | Friday 18 December |
ACT school holidays 2026
- After Term 13 April – 20 April
- After Term 24 July – 20 July
- After Term 326 September – 12 October
- Summer holidaysFrom 19 December
ACT school holidays: your questions
What are the ACT school term dates for 2026?
For the Australian Capital Territory government schools in 2026: Term 1 runs Monday 2 February to Thursday 2 April; Term 2 runs Tuesday 21 April to Friday 3 July; Term 3 runs Tuesday 21 July to Friday 25 September; Term 4 runs Tuesday 13 October to Friday 18 December.
When do the ACT school holidays start in 2026?
The first ACT government-school break of 2026 falls 3 april – 20 april, after Term 1 ends on Thursday 2 April. Students return for Term 2 on Tuesday 21 April.
When are the mid-year school holidays in ACT in 2026?
The 2026 mid-year (winter) break in the Australian Capital Territory falls 4 july – 20 july, after Term 2 ends on Friday 3 July.
Do Catholic and independent schools follow the same dates?
These are the ACT Government dates for government schools. Most Catholic and independent schools follow similar term dates, but pupil-free days and start dates can differ by a day or two, so always confirm the exact 2026 dates with your school.