These are the official term start and end dates set by the Victorian Department of Education for most public schools. Independent and Catholic schools generally follow similar dates (check with your school for variations).
📌 Note: Government schools often have the first day for staff a day or two before student start dates (e.g., staff PD days).
School Holiday Periods (Victorian Government Schools)
- Autumn Holidays: Fri 3 April – Sun 19 April 2026
- Winter Holidays: Sat 27 June – Sun 12 July 2026
- Spring Holidays: Sat 19 September – Sun 4 October 2026
- Summer Holidays: Sat 19 December 2026 – Wed 27 January 2027 (approx; student start late Jan)
Victoria Public Holidays in 2026
These are the main statewide public holidays on which schools are closed. Some regional/local holidays may also apply (e.g., AFL Grand Final Friday if declared).
📍 School events like mid-term breaks and pupil-free days may also occur on or around these dates — check with individual schools.
Quick Summary for Families
School starts for Victorian government students:
- Term 1 begins: Tues 27 Jan 2026
- Term 4 ends: Fri 18 Dec 2026
Major breaks:
- Autumn: Early April
- Winter: Late June – Mid July
- Spring: Late Sep – Early Oct
- Summer: Mid Dec – Late Jan 2027
Key Public Holidays:
- Australia Day (Mon 26 Jan)
- Labour Day (Mon 9 Mar)
- Easter & ANZAC Week (Apr)
- King’s Birthday (Mon 8 Jun)
- AFL & Melbourne Cup Seasons (Sep/Nov)
