ACT School Holidays 2026
🇦🇺 Australia
Looking for ACT school holidays 2026? You'll find the complete 2026 school calendar for ACT, Australia right here — including all term dates, school holiday periods, public holidays, and important academic dates. Our data is sourced directly from ACT Government Education and covers 4 terms and 4 school breaks. Whether you're planning family travel during the school holidays, booking vacation care, or need to know when the 2026 school year starts and ends, this comprehensive ACT school holiday calendar has everything you need.
Spring Holidays
Sep 26 – Oct 12, 2026
ACT Term Dates 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 48 days | New students start Monday 2 February. Continuing students return Tuesday 3 February. | ||
| Term 2 | 49 days | 10 weeks. | ||
| Term 3 | 49 days | 10 weeks. | ||
| Term 4 | 47 days | Term 4 starts Tuesday 13 October (after Labour Day). |
ACT School Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Holidays | 17 days | — | ||
| Winter Holidays | 16 days | — | ||
| Spring Holidays | 17 days | — | ||
| Summer Holidays | 44 days | — |
ACT Public Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Australia Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Canberra Day | 1 days | Second Monday of March. | ||
| Good Friday | 1 days | — | ||
| Easter Monday | 1 days | — | ||
| ANZAC Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Reconciliation Day | 1 days | First Monday after 27 May (ACT-specific). | ||
| King's Birthday | 1 days | Second Monday of June. | ||
| Labour Day | 1 days | First Monday of October. | ||
| Christmas Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Boxing Day | 1 days | — |
ACT School 2026 Calendar — Month by Month
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June 2026
July 2026
August 2026
September 2026
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
Detailed 2026 ACT School Year Information
Term 1
Mon, Feb 2, 2026 – Thu, Apr 9, 2026
New students start Monday 2 February. Continuing students return Tuesday 3 February.
Term 2
Mon, Apr 27, 2026 – Fri, Jul 3, 2026
10 weeks.
Term 3
Mon, Jul 20, 2026 – Fri, Sep 25, 2026
10 weeks.
Term 4
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 – Fri, Dec 18, 2026
Term 4 starts Tuesday 13 October (after Labour Day).
ACT School Holidays 2026 — Key Dates
These ACT school holiday dates for 2026 are sourced directly from ACT Government Education. ACT school term dates are set by the ACT Government. Canberra is the capital. The 2026 school year has 4 terms running from late January/early February to mid-December.
Planning Tips for 2026 ACT School Holidays
🗓️ Book Early for ACT School Holiday Periods
ACT school holiday periods are the busiest times for travel and accommodation. Book flights, hotels, and activities at least 6-8 weeks in advance to secure the best prices and availability, especially during the summer and Christmas/New Year breaks.
🎨 Plan 2026 School Holiday Activities
Many vacation care programs, sports camps, and holiday workshops open bookings weeks before ACT school holidays begin. Popular programs fill up quickly, so research and register early to avoid disappointment.
📚 Balance Learning and Rest During School Breaks
While ACT school holidays are a time for rest, incorporating light educational activities can help children stay engaged. Consider reading programs, educational day trips, or online learning platforms that make learning fun during the 2026 school break.
👨👩👧👦 Coordinate with Other ACT Parents
Organize playdates and shared childcare with other parents to reduce stress and costs during ACT school holidays. Many communities have local Facebook groups or apps where parents coordinate holiday activities and care arrangements.
Official Source & Data Accuracy
Data source: ACT Government Education
Last updated: July 12, 2026
Note: ACT school term dates are set by the ACT Government. Canberra is the capital. The 2026 school year has 4 terms running from late January/early February to mid-December.
ACT School Holidays 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ACT school holidays for 2026?
ACT school holidays in 2026 include Autumn Holidays (April 10-26), Winter Holidays (July 4-19), Spring Holidays (September 26-October 12), and Summer Holidays (from December 19, 2026).
When does the 2026 school year start in the ACT?
The 2026 school year in the ACT starts on Monday, 2 February 2026 for new students. Continuing students return on Tuesday, 3 February. The school year ends on Friday, 18 December 2026.
What is Canberra Day?
Canberra Day is a public holiday in the ACT held on the second Monday of March. In 2026, it falls on March 9. Schools are closed on this day.
How many school holidays are there in 2026?
Most school systems have 4-6 major holiday periods throughout the year, typically including a long summer break, a winter/Christmas break, and shorter mid-term breaks in spring and autumn. The exact number depends on your country and region.
What is the longest school holiday?
The summer holiday is typically the longest school break worldwide. In Australia, it lasts about 5-6 weeks (December-January). In the UK, the summer break is approximately 6 weeks (July-August). In the US, summer break is the longest at 10-12 weeks (June-August). In Singapore, the year-end holidays last about 6 weeks.
Are school holidays the same across all states or regions?
No. School holiday dates vary by state, region, and sometimes even by individual school district or local council. While neighbouring areas often have similar schedules, you should always check the specific dates for your local area.
Can I take my child out of school during term time?
Rules vary by country. In the UK, taking children out of school during term time without authorization can result in fines. In Australia, it is generally discouraged but policies vary by state. In the US, policies are set by individual school districts. Always check with your school before planning term-time absences.
Do private schools have different holiday dates?
Yes, private and independent schools often set their own term dates, which may differ from government/public schools. However, most private schools follow similar schedules to nearby public schools, with minor variations. Check directly with your school for exact dates.
Looking for School Holidays in Other Countries?
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