When are the Winter school holidays in NSW in 2026?

Winter school holidays in NSW take place from Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July 2026.

When do the Summer school holidays start in NSW in 2026?

Summer school holidays begin on Friday 18 December 2026 for NSW public schools.

What is the difference between Eastern and Western Division school holidays?

The main difference is the Summer holiday end date. Western Division schools return later, usually in early February, while Eastern Division schools return in late January.

NSW School Holidays 2026

Q: When do NSW school holidays start and end in 2026?

NSW school holidays in 2026 are divided into four breaks: Autumn (April), Winter (July), Spring (September–October), and Summer (December 2026 to January or February 2027).

Q: Are NSW school holiday dates the same for all schools?

The published dates apply to NSW public schools. Private and independent schools may follow different holiday schedules.

Q: What are the Autumn school holiday dates in NSW for 2026?

The Autumn school holidays in NSW run from Tuesday 7 April to Friday 17 April 2026.

Q: When do Spring school holidays occur in NSW in 2026?

Spring school holidays are scheduled from Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October 2026.

Q: Do NSW school holidays include public holidays?

Some NSW school holidays overlap with public holidays such as Easter, Christmas, and New Year, but public holidays are set separately by the NSW Government.

Q: Can NSW school holiday dates change?

NSW school holiday dates are officially set by the NSW Department of Education and rarely change, but it is recommended to check official sources for updates.

Q: Where can I find the official NSW school holiday calendar for 2026?

The official NSW school holiday calendar for 2026 is available on the NSW Department of Education website.

In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, public school term dates and holidays are set by the NSW Department of Education. In 2026, the year’s school calendar follows a familiar pattern of four school terms with breaks in between for families and students to rest, travel or enjoy activities.

School Holiday Periods in 2026

Here are the official school holiday breaks for NSW public schools in 2026:

🟡 Autumn Holidays

Tuesday 7 April – Friday 17 April 2026
This break follows the end of Term 1 and includes the Easter period (note: Easter Monday on 6 April is a public holiday).

❄️ Winter Holidays

Monday 6 July – Friday 17 July 2026
Mid-year break between Term 2 and Term 3.

🌸 Spring Holidays

Monday 28 September – Friday 9 October 2026
Spring break between Term 3 and Term 4.

☀️ Summer Holidays

Eastern Division: Friday 18 December 2026 – Wednesday 27 January 2027
Western Division: Friday 18 December 2026 – Wednesday 3 February 2027
The longest break of the year, covering Christmas and New Year. Note that Western NSW schools start back later due to division scheduling.

Quick Snapshot: NSW 2026 Holiday Dates

Holiday	Dates (Eastern Division)	Western Division
Autumn	7 Apr – 17 Apr	7 Apr – 17 Apr
Winter	6 Jul – 17 Jul	6 Jul – 17 Jul
Spring	28 Sep – 9 Oct	28 Sep – 9 Oct
Summer	18 Dec – 27 Jan 2027	18 Dec – 3 Feb 2027

(Dates apply to NSW public schools; private and independent schools may vary.)

When Term Breaks Happen

Term 1 ends: Thursday 2 April 2026 (Eastern NSW)
Term 2 begins: Wednesday 22 April 2026
Term 2 ends: Friday 3 July 2026
Term 3 begins: Tuesday 21 July 2026
Term 3 ends: Friday 25 September 2026
Term 4 begins: Tuesday 13 October 2026
Term 4 ends: Thursday 17 December 2026

These dates help parents plan holidays, care arrangements and family time well in advance.

Tips for Families

Plan early: Summer and mid-year holidays are popular for travel and camps.
Public holidays: Some breaks include national holidays like Easter Monday — always check local calendars alongside school term dates.
Western vs Eastern division: If your child attends a Western Division school (far-west NSW), be aware that their summer holidays extend later into January/February.

FAQs – NSW School Holidays 2026

1. When do NSW school holidays start and end in 2026?

NSW school holidays in 2026 are spread across four main breaks: Autumn (April), Winter (July), Spring (September–October), and Summer (December–January 2027).

2. Are NSW school holiday dates the same for all schools?

Holiday dates apply to NSW public schools. Private and independent schools may follow different schedules, so families should always check directly with their school.

3. What are the Autumn school holiday dates in NSW for 2026?

The Autumn holidays run from Tuesday 7 April to Friday 17 April 2026, following the end of Term 1.

4. When are the Winter school holidays in NSW 2026?

Winter holidays take place from Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July 2026.

5. When do Spring school holidays occur in 2026?

Spring holidays are scheduled from Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October 2026.

6. When do the Summer school holidays start in NSW for 2026?

Summer holidays begin on Friday 18 December 2026. Students return to school in late January or early February 2027, depending on the school division.

7. What is the difference between Eastern and Western Division holiday dates?

The main difference is the Summer holiday end date. Western Division schools return later (early February) than Eastern Division schools (late January).

8. Do NSW school holidays include public holidays?

Some school holidays overlap with public holidays, such as Easter and Christmas, but public holidays are set separately by the NSW Government.

9. Can NSW school holiday dates change?

Holiday dates are officially set by the NSW Department of Education and rarely change. However, families should always check official sources for updates.

10. Where can I find the official NSW school holiday calendar for 2026?

The official calendar is available on the NSW Department of Education website, which provides term dates for both Eastern and Western Divisions.

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