For parents, teachers, and students across Queensland, planning ahead is key to maintaining balance between academics and relaxation. The Queensland Department of Education releases school term dates years in advance to help families organize travel, childcare, and study time.
This in-depth guide covers Queensland school term dates and holidays from 2025 through 2029. You’ll find every important detail—term schedules, holiday breaks, staff professional development days, and expert tips to help you make the most of each academic year.
Understanding the Queensland School Year
In Queensland, the academic year typically runs from late January to early December, divided into four terms of around 10 weeks each. Between these terms are school holidays that range from two to six weeks, allowing time for rest, revision, and family travel.
Each school year includes:
- Four academic terms (around 10 weeks each)
- Short breaks between Terms 1–3 (two to three weeks)
- A long summer holiday after Term 4 (about six weeks)
- Teacher professional development days (before or during terms)
While most state schools follow these official dates, independent and Catholic schools may have minor variations.
Queensland School Term Dates & holidays 2025
The 2025 Queensland school year follows a balanced four-term pattern with 10 weeks per term.
Term Dates 2025:
- Term 1: Tuesday, 28 January – Friday, 4 April (10 weeks)
- Term 2: Tuesday, 22 April – Friday, 27 June (10 weeks)
- Term 3: Monday, 14 July – Friday, 19 September (10 weeks)
- Term 4: Tuesday, 7 October – Friday, 12 December (10 weeks)
School Holidays 2025:
- Term 1 break: 5 – 21 April (17 days)
- Term 2 break: 28 June – 13 July (16 days)
- Term 3 break: 20 September – 6 October (17 days)
- Summer break: 13 December – 26 January 2026 (45 days)
Staff Professional Development Days:
- 23–24 January
- 16–17 April
- 5 September
Academic Insight:
Term 1 sets the foundation for the year. Encourage students to establish a consistent homework and reading schedule early. Families should plan short weekend breaks instead of long trips during the first term to maintain focus.
Queensland School Term Dates 2026
The 2026 school calendar maintains the same structure, ensuring consistent breaks throughout the year.
Term Dates 2026:
- Term 1: Tuesday, 27 January – Thursday, 2 April (10 weeks)
- Term 2: Monday, 20 April – Friday, 26 June (10 weeks)
- Term 3: Monday, 13 July – Friday, 18 September (10 weeks)
- Term 4: Tuesday, 6 October – Friday, 11 December (10 weeks)
School Holidays 2026:
- Term 1 break: 3 – 19 April (17 days)
- Term 2 break: 27 June – 12 July (16 days)
- Term 3 break: 19 September – 5 October (17 days)
- Summer break: 12 December – 26 January 2027 (46 days)
Professional Development Days:
- 22–23 January
- 16–17 April
- 4 September
Study Planning Tip:
2026’s structure offers even breaks between each term. This makes it ideal to set academic milestones every 10 weeks — for example, mastering a math topic in Term 1, focusing on writing in Term 2, and revising science and history in Term 3.
During the long summer holiday, mix study and fun — 70% relaxation and 30% light review ensures students start the next year fresh but prepared.
Queensland School Term Dates 2027
The 2027 academic year features a slightly shorter Term 1 and a longer Term 2 of 11 weeks.
Term Dates 2027:
- Term 1: Wednesday, 27 January – Thursday, 25 March (9 weeks)
- Term 2: Monday, 12 April – Friday, 25 June (11 weeks)
- Term 3: Monday, 12 July – Friday, 17 September (10 weeks)
- Term 4: Tuesday, 5 October – Friday, 10 December (10 weeks)
School Holidays 2027:
- Term 1 break: 26 March – 11 April (17 days)
- Term 2 break: 26 June – 11 July (16 days)
- Term 3 break: 18 September – 4 October (17 days)
- Summer break: 11 December – 23 January 2028 (44 days)
Staff Development Days:
- 21–25 January (3 days)
- 8–9 April
- 3 September
Parent Tip:
The longer Term 2 means students will face extended academic weeks, which can be mentally draining. Encourage active learning — short quizzes, discussions, and project-based learning to keep engagement high. Families can schedule local weekend getaways to maintain motivation.
Queensland School Term Dates 2028
The 2028 Queensland school year keeps the 10-week pattern and aligns well with national holidays.
Term Dates 2028:
- Term 1: Monday, 24 January – Friday, 31 March (10 weeks)
- Term 2: Tuesday, 18 April – Friday, 23 June (10 weeks)
- Term 3: Monday, 10 July – Friday, 15 September (10 weeks)
- Term 4: Tuesday, 3 October – Friday, 8 December (10 weeks)
School Holidays 2028:
- Term 1 break: 1 – 17 April (17 days)
- Term 2 break: 24 June – 9 July (16 days)
- Term 3 break: 16 September – 2 October (17 days)
- Summer break: 9 December 2028 – 21 January 2029 (44 days)
Professional Development Days:
- 20–21 January
- 12–13 April
- 1 September
Academic Planning Idea:
Term 2 often coincides with the start of major projects or mid-year exams. Use Term 1 holidays to prepare early. Students should also use the September break for revision, especially for final-year exams.
Parents can help by setting a calm study environment — even one hour of daily focused reading or revision can make a big difference by the end of the year.
Queensland School Term Dates 2029
By 2029, Queensland maintains its traditional four-term system with well-spaced breaks for balanced learning.
Term Dates 2029:
- Term 1: Monday, 22 January – Thursday, 29 March (10 weeks)
- Term 2: Monday, 16 April – Friday, 22 June (10 weeks)
- Term 3: Monday, 9 July – Friday, 14 September (10 weeks)
- Term 4: Tuesday, 2 October – Friday, 7 December (10 weeks)
School Holidays 2029:
- Term 1 break: 30 March – 15 April (17 days)
- Term 2 break: 23 June – 8 July (16 days)
- Term 3 break: 15 September – 1 October (17 days)
- Summer break: 8 December 2029 – January 2030 (dates to be confirmed)
Staff Development Days:
- 18–19 January
- 12–13 April
- 31 August
Future Outlook Tip:
As 2029 approaches, digital learning will become more integrated into Queensland classrooms. Parents can use holidays to introduce coding, research skills, or creative digital activities that prepare students for future education models.
How to Use School Term Dates Effectively
Planning ahead using official term dates can greatly reduce stress throughout the school year. Here’s how Queensland families can make the most of the academic calendar:
- Plan family vacations early.
Avoid peak travel times by booking during the first week of each school break. - Align extracurricular activities.
Schedule sports, arts, or music lessons outside of exam-heavy months. - Encourage balanced routines.
Sleep, nutrition, and study time should stay consistent during each term. - Set academic goals per term.
Example: Term 1 – focus on reading comprehension; Term 2 – improve math fluency. - Prepare during breaks.
Use 20–30 minutes a day for light revision during holidays.
Why Queensland Term Dates Matter
Queensland’s consistent 10-week term structure helps balance learning and wellbeing. For parents, these dates are invaluable for planning work schedules, vacation time, and tutoring. Teachers use them to design term plans and assessment timelines.
Beyond academics, these dates shape the rhythm of community life — from local sports competitions to school holiday programs and youth activities across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When does the 2025 Queensland school year begin?
The 2025 school year starts on Tuesday, 28 January, after two teacher planning days (23–24 January).
Q2. How many terms are there in a Queensland school year?
There are four academic terms, each lasting about 10 weeks.
Q3. Which school holiday is the longest?
The summer break after Term 4, usually lasting 6–7 weeks from mid-December to late January.
Q4. Are term dates the same for all Queensland schools?
Public schools follow the Department of Education’s calendar, while private and Catholic schools may differ slightly.
Q5. What are staff professional development days?
These are non-teaching days where teachers undergo training and curriculum planning before students return.
Q6. What’s the best time to plan family holidays?
April, June–July, and September are perfect for family trips as they align with official term breaks.
Q7. Do public holidays affect term schedules?
Yes. Major holidays like Australia Day, ANZAC Day, and Labour Day may create long weekends within school terms.
Conclusion
Queensland 2025–2029 school calendar offers structure, balance, and predictability for families, teachers, and students alike. With each year spanning four 10-week terms, parents can confidently plan vacations, study routines, and extracurricular activities well in advance.
By understanding when each term begins and ends — and using the breaks wisely — families can maintain a healthy academic rhythm that supports both learning and leisure. Whether you’re organizing tutoring, planning a getaway, or preparing for exams, these term dates make it easier to stay ahead.