NSW School Holidays 2026
🇦🇺 Australia
Looking for NSW school holidays 2026? You'll find the complete 2026 school calendar for NSW, Australia right here — including all term dates, school holiday periods, public holidays, and important academic dates. Our data is sourced directly from NSW Government 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 NSW school holiday calendar has everything you need.
Spring School Holidays
Sep 28 – Oct 9, 2026
NSW Term Dates 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 44 days | Eastern Division. Western Division starts 2026-02-09. | ||
| Term 2 | 52 days | — | ||
| Term 3 | 48 days | — | ||
| Term 4 | 48 days | Western Division ends 2026-12-11. |
NSW School Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn School Holidays | 11 days | Includes Easter weekend (Apr 3-6) which falls during Term 1. | ||
| Winter School Holidays | 12 days | — | ||
| Spring School Holidays | 12 days | — | ||
| Summer School Holidays | 41 days | Longest school holiday period of the year. Eastern Division returns Tue 27 Jan 2027. |
NSW Public Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Australia Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Good Friday | 1 days | — | ||
| Easter Saturday | 1 days | — | ||
| Easter Sunday | 1 days | — | ||
| Easter Monday | 1 days | — | ||
| ANZAC Day | 1 days | — | ||
| King's Birthday | 1 days | — | ||
| Bank Holiday | 1 days | — | ||
| Labour Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Christmas Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Boxing Day | 1 days | — |
NSW 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 NSW School Year Information
Term 1
Mon, Feb 2, 2026 – Thu, Apr 2, 2026
Eastern Division. Western Division starts 2026-02-09.
Term 2
Wed, Apr 22, 2026 – Fri, Jul 3, 2026
Term 3
Tue, Jul 21, 2026 – Fri, Sep 25, 2026
Term 4
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 – Thu, Dec 17, 2026
Western Division ends 2026-12-11.
NSW School Holidays 2026 — Key Dates
These NSW school holiday dates for 2026 are sourced directly from NSW Government. NSW has two divisions: Eastern Division (Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle) and Western Division (Broken Hill and far west). Dates below are for Eastern Division. Western Division starts Term 1 one week earlier and ends Term 4 one week earlier.
Planning Tips for 2026 NSW School Holidays
🗓️ Book Early for NSW School Holiday Periods
NSW 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 NSW school holidays begin. Popular programs fill up quickly, so research and register early to avoid disappointment.
📚 Balance Learning and Rest During School Breaks
While NSW 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 NSW Parents
Organize playdates and shared childcare with other parents to reduce stress and costs during NSW school holidays. Many communities have local Facebook groups or apps where parents coordinate holiday activities and care arrangements.
Official Source & Data Accuracy
Data source: NSW Government
Last updated: July 12, 2026
Note: NSW has two divisions: Eastern Division (Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle) and Western Division (Broken Hill and far west). Dates below are for Eastern Division. Western Division starts Term 1 one week earlier and ends Term 4 one week earlier.
NSW School Holidays 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the NSW school holidays for 2026?
NSW school holidays in 2026 include Autumn Holidays (April 11-27), Winter Holidays (July 4-20), Spring Holidays (September 26-October 12), and Summer Holidays (December 19, 2026 – January 26, 2027). Term dates run from January 28 to December 18.
Do all NSW schools have the same holiday dates?
No. NSW has two divisions: Eastern Division (including Sydney, Wollongong, and Newcastle) and Western Division (including Broken Hill and far west). Western Division starts Term 1 one week earlier and ends Term 4 one week earlier. Always check with your specific school.
When does Term 1 start in NSW in 2026?
Term 1 for NSW Eastern Division starts on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. For Western Division, Term 1 starts on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
How long is the summer school holiday in NSW?
The NSW summer school holiday is approximately 5-6 weeks long, from December 19, 2026, to January 26, 2027 (Australia Day). This is the longest school holiday period of the year.
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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