Q&A When Does School Start For 2024?

Posted in School FAQs.

Question & Answer
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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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.

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