Western Australia School Holidays 2025: Term Dates, Public Holidays and How to Use Them

As WA families map out 2025, the rhythm of learning follows the state’s official term and holiday schedule. These breaks aren’t just time off—they’re vital reset points that support focus, wellbeing and resilience. Below you’ll find the confirmed WA 2025 term dates and public holidays, plus research-backed ways to use each break well—from unstructured play and connection in the primary years to smart, light study rhythms for teens.

2025 Western Australia School Term Dates

2025 Western Australia School Holiday Dates

2025 Public Holidays in Western Australia

*Some regional variations for the King’s Birthday public holiday may apply.

Note: Dates apply to WA public schools. Catholic and independent schools may vary; always check your school’s calendar. Development (student-free) days are set by schools.

School holidays aren’t just “time off”. They’re a built-in reset that supports brain consolidation, emotional regulation, resilience and social connection. The sweet spot is a balanced routine: enough downtime to recover, enough purposeful activity to grow, and - especially for teens - a light, strategic study rhythm.

Evidence-based essentials for every family

• Prioritise real downtime and sleep. Short breaks restore focus; genuine “do nothing” time lets the brain consolidate memories and make meaning.

• Protect unstructured play. Free play strengthens creativity, problem-solving and emotional self-regulation - key foundations for later academic success.

• Move daily and get outdoors. Physical activity lowers stress and boosts attention and memory.

• Strengthen connection. Family time (meals, library trips, board games) builds belonging; co-viewing media and talking about it turns screen time into learning time.

• Balance screens. Set clear limits, model healthy use, and offer better alternatives (play, movement, social catch-ups).

• Keep a light routine. Anchor days around predictable touchpoints (mornings, meals, bedtime). Avoid both over-scheduling and total free-for-all.

• Plan the return. In the final week, nudge sleep/wake times back, refresh school bags/study spaces, and name any first-day jitters.

Primary students (5–12): how to use the break

• Daily unstructured play. Lego towers, backyard adventures, imaginative games—cognitive flexibility without the “study” label.

• Creative outlets. Music, art and baking help kids process emotions and practise teamwork.

• Social learning. Playdates and co-operative games teach turn-taking, fair play and managing wins/losses.

• Everyday learning. Library trips, nature walks or cooking build vocabulary, curiosity and numeracy - calmly and playfully.

• Light, targeted tutoring (optional). Short, game-based sessions can consolidate core literacy and numeracy without turning the break into “more school”. If helpful, consider tutors on Learnmate for gentle skill-bridging aligned to your child’s year level.

• Healthy tech habits. Devices out of bedrooms; co-view and discuss content.

Secondary students (13–18): getting the balance right

• Study, but smarter (not longer). Short, focused blocks (20–40 mins) using active techniques—flashcards, teach-back, past questions—then real breaks.

• Consistency beats cramming. A couple of quality blocks most days beats last-minute marathons. Pair each study block with movement or social time.

• Close gaps early. Targeted holiday tutoring can rebuild confidence and prevent stress snowballing into the term ahead.

• Build autonomy. Co-create a flexible plan—space for friends, hobbies, work and responsibilities.

• Protect wellbeing. Sleep, nutrition and exercise are as important as exam prep. Treat holidays like a high-performer’s recovery phase.

Using each WA break purposefully

• Term 1 holidays (12–27 Apr): Includes the Easter long weekend (18–21 Apr) → peak travel. Decompress, reset sleep, reflect on Term 1 wins.

• Term 2 holidays (5–20 Jul): Lean into low-pressure indoor learning—libraries, museums, strategy games — and creative projects.

• Term 3 holidays (27 Sep–12 Oct): Spring weather is ideal for movement and outdoor time. King’s Birthday follows soon after in most regions (Mon 29 Sep is within Week 1 of the break); Karratha/Port Hedland observe Mon 4 Aug.

• Summer holidays (from 19 Dec): Major recovery phase before the new year; students resume Mon 2 Feb 2026. Set 2026 goals, do light pre-reading/skill refresh, and rebuild sleep/study habits gradually.

Holiday Programs in Western Australia

Holiday programs across WA give students opportunities to explore new interests, make friends, and learn outside the classroom. Popular options include:

• Scitech Perth
  Science, technology, and coding workshops that spark curiosity and hands-on problem solving.
• Perth Zoo Holiday Programs
  Wildlife-based activities that inspire children to learn about animals and conservation.
• Local Council Activities
  Councils across WA, including Perth, Fremantle, and Joondalup, host affordable holiday programs such as sports clinics, art workshops, and library events.
• Adventure and Sports Camps
  Organisations run short camps focused on outdoor adventure, swimming, or team sports that build resilience and confidence.
• Creative Arts Intensives
  Holiday programs in drama, dance, and music across Perth and regional WA offer students the chance to explore their creative side.

These structured programs can help balance downtime with meaningful enrichment, keeping holidays engaging and fun.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 WA holiday calendar isn’t just a timetable of rest—it’s a rhythm that supports wellbeing and learning. Plan for downtime, connection and play, and (for teens) light, strategic study. The goal isn’t to cram more in; it’s to return to school recharged, resilient and ready.

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.