2026 WA School Holidays, Term Dates & Public Holidays

Knowing the Western Australia school calendar in advance helps families plan the year with far less stress. From organising holidays and managing routines to planning support around busy school periods, having the key dates on hand makes day-to-day decisions easier.

This guide sets out the confirmed 2026 Western Australia public school term dates, major school holiday periods, and public holidays. It also includes practical advice on how families can use each break to support rest, learning, and a smoother return to school.

2026 Western Australia State School Term Dates

Note on Pupil Free Days: Teachers officially resume on Thursday, 29 January 2026 for professional development. Students typically return on Monday, 2 February. always check your specific school’s website as development days can vary.

2026 Western Australia School Holiday Periods

*End dates for the summer holidays can vary between schools, particularly for secondary students. The 2027 school year is expected to commence around 1 February 2027.

2026 Public Holidays in Western Australia

Public holidays give extra long weekends and mid-year breaks that don’t always fall within school holiday windows — perfect for short trips or family days.

*Note on ANZAC Day: Unlike some other states, Western Australia observes an additional public holiday on Monday 27 April because ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday in 2026.

*Note on King's Birthday: Some regional areas in WA celebrate the King's Birthday on a different date. Check with your local council if you live outside the metropolitan area.

Using School Holidays Well

Western Australia’s school holidays are spaced to give students regular breaks across the year. Each break serves a different purpose, depending on timing and length.

Rather than trying to plan something for every day, many families find it more helpful to think about how each holiday can make the next school term easier.

A Practical Approach for WA Families

• Prioritise rest: By the end of each term, many students are tired from assessments, routines, and social demands. School holidays provide space to slow down, catch up on sleep, and step away from pressure.

• Keep some consistency: While holidays should feel different from term time, a complete loss of routine can make returning to school harder. Regular bedtimes and shared meals help maintain balance.

• Plan ahead gradually: Holidays are a good time to prepare for the next term without rushing. This might include restocking stationery or setting up a study area.

How Holiday Needs Change Over Time

Primary school years

For younger children, holidays are best spent playing, exploring and spending time together. Activities such as outdoor play, creative projects, cooking or visiting local libraries support learning naturally and help children return to school feeling settled.

Secondary school years

Older students often benefit from a balance of downtime and light structure. Time away from school helps prevent burnout, while small amounts of organisation or forward planning can make busy terms feel more manageable, especially for senior students.

Why Planning Around the WA School Calendar Helps

Knowing term dates and holidays well in advance allows families to:

• plan travel without cutting into rest time
• avoid overloading shorter breaks
• spread academic support across the year
• support smoother transitions back to school

When school holidays are treated as part of the yearly rhythm rather than a disruption, students are more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

Need Extra Learning Support?

Looking for tutoring support in WA during or after the school holidays? Tutors on Learnmate are available across Western Australia in all subjects and year levels. Whether your child needs exam preparation, subject revision, or confidence-building, you can connect with an expert tutor to support them throughout the year.

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