NSW School Holiday Dates 2026
Planning around the NSW school holidays 2026? Use this guide to check the main NSW public school holiday dates, then browse local holiday programs for kids in Sydney suburbs including Lane Cove, Chatswood and Artarmon.
Next NSW school holidays
Winter holidays
6 Jul to 17 Jul 2026
Students return: Tuesday 21 July
School development day: Monday 20 July
2026 school holiday dates
Dates are based on NSW public school calendars and may vary for independent or private schools. Some schools may vary staff development days, so check your school calendar before booking.
Eastern and Western Division schools
Most Sydney schools follow the Eastern Division calendar. In 2026, Eastern Division students start Term 1 on Monday 2 February, while Western Division students start on Monday 9 February. The holiday dates above are most relevant for Sydney families, including Lane Cove, Chatswood and Artarmon.
Staff development days
NSW school development days are pupil-free days. In 2026, students return after some holidays a little later than the holiday end date, including Wednesday 22 April 2026 for Term 2, Tuesday 21 July 2026 for Term 3, and Tuesday 13 October 2026 for Term 4.
Browse local holiday programs
The school holidays are when many families start looking for local holiday programs, sports camps, creative workshops and full-day activities for kids. If you live around Sydney's Lower North Shore, you can use HolidayPrograms to compare programs in Lane Cove, Chatswood and Artarmon and enquire without creating an account.
NSW school holiday dates FAQ
When are the NSW school holidays in 2026?
The main NSW public school holiday breaks in 2026 are autumn holidays from Tuesday 7 April to Friday 17 April, winter holidays from Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July, spring holidays from Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October, and summer holidays from Friday 18 December 2026.
How long are the April school holidays in NSW?
The April 2026 NSW school holidays run from Tuesday 7 April to Friday 17 April, before students return for Term 2 on Wednesday 22 April after school development days on Monday 20 April and Tuesday 21 April.
When is the Easter long weekend in NSW in 2026?
The Easter long weekend in NSW runs from Good Friday, 3 April 2026 to Easter Monday, 6 April 2026. NSW autumn school holidays then start on Tuesday 7 April 2026.
Is Monday 27 April 2026 a public holiday in NSW?
Yes. In 2026, ANZAC Day falls on Saturday 25 April, so Monday 27 April 2026 is an additional public holiday in NSW.
Do students return to school straight after the holiday end date?
Not always. NSW school development days are pupil-free days, so students may return a day or two after the listed holiday period ends.
Are NSW private school holidays the same as public schools?
Not always. Independent and private school dates can vary, so families should check their school calendar before booking holiday programs.
Where can I find school holiday programs for kids in Sydney?
HolidayPrograms lists local school holiday programs for kids in Sydney, including vacation care, creative kids providers, active kids sports camps, workshops and other local holiday activities, starting with Lane Cove, Chatswood and Artarmon.