We believe that planning ahead is the key to a successful year! That is why we want to make it as easy for you as possible to stay on top of ACT school holidays and term dates for 2026.
Table Of Contents:
- ACT 2026 School Term Dates
- ACT 2026 School Holiday Dates
- ACT 2026 Public Holiday Dates
- Daylight Savings Time 2026
- Conclusion
In Canberra, Australia, the school term dates and holidays for 2026 are as follows:
ACT 2026 School Term Dates
| Term | Date in 2026 |
| Term 1 | Friday 30 January (for new students) or Monday 2 February (for continuing students) to Thursday 2 April. |
| Term 2 | Tuesday 21 April to Friday 3 July |
| Term 3 | Tuesday 21 July to Friday 25 September |
| Term 4 | Tuesday 13 October to Friday 18 December |
ACT 2026 School Holiday Dates
| School Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| Term 1 School Holidays | Friday 3 April to Monday 20 April |
| Term 2 School Holidays | Saturday 4 July to Monday 20 July |
| Term 3 School Holidays | Saturday 26 September to Monday 12 October |
| Term 4 School Holidays | Saturday 19 December to 31 January 2027 |
ACT 2026 Public Holiday Dates
| Holiday | Date in 2026 |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thursday 1 January |
| Australia Day | Monday 26 January |
| Canberra Day | Monday 9 March |
| Good Friday | Friday 3 April |
| Saturday before Easter Sunday | Saturday 4 April |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday 5 April |
| Easter Monday | Monday 6 April |
| ANZAC Day | Saturday 25 April |
| Reconciliation Day | Monday 1 June |
| King’s Birthday | Monday 8 June |
| Labour Day | Monday 5 October |
| Christmas Day | Friday 25 December |
| Boxing Day | Saturday 26 December Monday 28 December |
Daylight Savings Time 2026
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 2 am AEST | Turn clock forward by an hour |
| Sunday, April 5, 2027, at 3 am AEDT. | Turn clock backward by an hour |
Conclusion
With these ACT school dates locked in your calendar, you're already ahead of most parents. But having the dates is just the first step – what matters most is how you use this time strategically.
Now grab your calendar, mark those dates, and get ready for a fantastic 2026!
👇 Resources you may find useful while you're here:
Manoj Arachige
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FAQs
1. When do ACT students start school in 2026?
New students start on Friday 30 January 2026, while continuing students begin Term 1 on Monday 2 February 2026. This gives new students a few extra days to settle in before the full cohort returns.
2. When should I start planning AST study schedules around these dates?
- Begin planning 3 months ahead - Use term break dates to schedule intensive revision periods and practice exams
- Book ACT tutoring early as The best tutors fill up quickly, especially before Term 4 when final exams approach
3. How can I help my child make the most of Canberra school holidays?
- Balance rest with learning - Short daily study sessions (20-30 minutes) during holidays prevent knowledge fade
- Use breaks strategically - Holiday tutoring can help struggling students catch up or high achievers get ahead before the next term