As the new school year approaches, parents across Australia face a common question: When is the first day of school? With different start dates for each state and territory, and occasional pupil-free days thrown in, it’s no surprise we get a little confused.
Whether your little one is embarking on their first day ever or simply dusting off their school backpacks for another year, this guide will help you navigate the school schedule. We’ll break down the start dates for public schools across Australia, eliminating the guesswork and ensuring your child is prepared and excited for their new academic adventure.
Here are the key dates for each Australian state and territory government school-terms for 2024.
If your kids go to private schools, check the term dates with the school.
Australian Capital Territory School Dates for 2024
Term dates for Australian Capital Territory government schools and kindergartens, school holiday dates.
Term One:
Pupil-free day: Monday 29 January 2024
New Students: Tuesday 30 January – Friday 12 April, 2024
Continuing Students: Wednesday 31 January – Friday 12 April, 2024
Term Two:
Pupil-free day: Monday 29 April 2024
Students start: Tuesday 30 April – Friday 5 July, 2024
Term Three:
Pupil-free day: Monday 22 July 2024
Students start: Tuesday 23 July – Friday 27 September, 2024
Term Four:
Pupil-free day: Monday 14 October 2024
Students start: Tuesday 15 October – Friday 17 December, 2024
New South Wales School Dates for 2024
Term dates for New South Wales government schools and kindergartens, school holiday dates.
Government schools in NSW are divided into Eastern and Western Divisions – the Western Division schools usually start a week later than the Eastern Division because the Western region usually experiences higher temperatures at the beginning of the year.
Term One:
Eastern Division: Friday 1 February – Friday 12 April, 2024
Western Division: Friday 6 February – Friday 12 April, 2024
Term Two: Monday 29 April – Friday 5 July, 2024
Term Three: Monday 22 July – Friday 27 September, 2024
Term Four: Monday 14 October – Friday 20 December, 2024
Northern Territory School Dates for 2024
Term dates for Northern Territory government schools and kindergartens, school holiday dates.
Term One:
Pupil-free day: Monday 29 January 2024
Students start: Tuesday 30 January – Thursday 5 April, 2024
Term Two: Monday 15 April – Friday 21 June, 2o24
Term Three: Monday 15 July – Friday 20 September, 2024
Term Four: Monday 7 October – Thursday 12 December, 2024
Queensland School Dates for 2024
Term dates for Queensland government schools and kindergartens, school holiday dates.
Term One: Monday 22 January – Thursday 28 March, 2024
Term Two: Monday 15 April – Friday 21 June, 2024
Term Three: Monday 8 July – Friday 13 September, 2024
Term Four: Tuesday 30 September – Friday 13 December, 2024
South Australia School Dates for 2024
Term dates for South Australian government schools and kindergartens, school holiday dates.
Term One: Monday 29 January – Friday 12 April, 2024
Term Two: Monday 29 April – Friday 5 July, 2024
Term Three: Monday 22 July – Friday 27 September, 2024
Term Four: Monday 14 October – Friday 13 December, 2024
Tasmania School Dates for 2024
Term dates for Tasmanian government schools and kindergartens, school holiday dates.
Term One: Thursday 8 February – Thursday 11 April, 2024
Term Two: Monday 29 April – Friday 5 July, 2024
Term Three: Tuesday 23 July – Friday 27 September, 2024
Term Four: Monday 14 October – Thursday 19 December, 2024
Victoria School Dates for 2024
Term dates for Victorian government schools and kindergartens, school holiday dates.
Term One
Pupil-free day: Monday 29 January 2024
Students start: Tuesday 30 January – Thursday 28 March, 2024
Term Two: Monday 15 April – Friday 28 June, 2024
Term Three: Monday 15 July – Friday 20 September, 2024
Term Four: Monday 7 October – Friday 20 December, 2024
Western Australia School Dates for 2024
Term dates for Western Australian government schools and kindergartens, school holiday dates.
Term One: Wednesday 31 January – Thursday 28 March, 2024
Term Two: Monday 15 April – Friday 28 June, 2024
Term Three: Monday 15 July – Friday 20 September, 2024
Term Four: Monday 7 October – Thursday 12 December, 2024
Remember:
These dates are for public schools. Private schools may have different term dates. Individual schools may have slight variations, so be sure to check your child’s school website or contact the school directly for the most accurate information.
Planning Tips:
- Mark all the dates in your calendar at the start of the year
- Prepare a back-to-school checklist
- Plan family getaways around school holidays
- Get your child excited about the new school year
With a little planning, you can ensure a smooth and successful transition back to school for both you and your child.
Read next …
- 11 ways to prepare first-timers for school
- 13 Kids Drink Bottles (That Don’t Leak)
- First day of school signs: 9 ideas to steal
- 23 books about starting school books
