The Australian school calendar for 2025 has officially been released, with state education departments confirming school term dates, public holidays, curriculum updates, and student-free days across the country. This calendar is a crucial planning tool for parents, teachers, and students, helping families organise vacations, school breaks, and academic milestones well in advance.
Alongside regular term scheduling, the 2025 academic year introduces a series of curriculum reforms, teacher development sessions, and additional public holiday adjustments in select states. The updates also reflect broader national priorities including digital literacy, Indigenous education, and STEM expansion. All parents and guardians are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the latest term dates and curriculum highlights to ensure a smooth and well-prepared academic journey for their children.
Term Dates and Structure for 2025 School Year
Each Australian state and territory sets its own term calendar through the Department of Education, meaning school start and end dates vary slightly. Below is the general term structure applicable in most jurisdictions:
Typical School Term Breakdown (2025):
- Term 1: Late January to early April
- Term 2: Mid-April to late June
- Term 3: Mid-July to late September
- Term 4: Early October to mid-December
Important notes:
- All dates below include student attendance periods; staff development or planning days may vary.
- Private and independent schools may operate on slightly adjusted calendars. Families should confirm exact dates with individual schools.
Full State-Wise Term Dates for Public Schools – 2025
Below is a state-by-state breakdown of the 2025 school term dates, including start and end periods for each term:
| State/Territory | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Jan 28 – Apr 11 | Apr 28 – Jul 4 | Jul 21 – Sep 26 | Oct 13 – Dec 19 |
| Victoria | Jan 29 – Apr 11 | Apr 28 – Jul 4 | Jul 21 – Sep 19 | Oct 6 – Dec 19 |
| Queensland | Jan 22 – Apr 4 | Apr 21 – Jun 27 | Jul 14 – Sep 19 | Oct 6 – Dec 12 |
| Western Australia | Jan 30 – Apr 11 | Apr 29 – Jul 4 | Jul 22 – Sep 26 | Oct 13 – Dec 18 |
| South Australia | Jan 28 – Apr 11 | Apr 28 – Jul 4 | Jul 21 – Sep 26 | Oct 13 – Dec 12 |
| Tasmania | Feb 6 – Apr 11 | Apr 28 – Jul 4 | Jul 22 – Sep 26 | Oct 13 – Dec 18 |
| ACT | Jan 30 – Apr 11 | Apr 28 – Jul 4 | Jul 21 – Sep 26 | Oct 13 – Dec 18 |
| Northern Territory | Jan 29 – Apr 11 | Apr 28 – Jul 4 | Jul 21 – Sep 26 | Oct 13 – Dec 18 |
Note: Dates may differ slightly for remote and regional schools, particularly in Queensland and WA.
Public Holidays and Student-Free Days by State
Along with term dates, the calendar includes key public holidays and student-free days where schools may be closed.
Major Public Holidays (National and State Specific):
- Australia Day: January 27 (observed)
- Good Friday: April 18
- Easter Monday: April 21
- ANZAC Day: April 25
- King’s Birthday: June 9 (all except WA)
- Labour Day: Varies by state
- Melbourne Cup Day (VIC only): November 4
- Christmas Day: December 25
- Boxing Day: December 26
Student-Free Days:
- Each state will also designate up to 4 pupil-free days throughout the year for teacher training and curriculum development
- Parents should check directly with their school for the exact dates of these non-student days
What’s New in the 2025 Curriculum?
The 2025 school year will also see the rollout of updated national curriculum guidelines, placing emphasis on digital skills, Indigenous perspectives, and inclusive learning.
Major curriculum highlights:
- Digital literacy units introduced from Year 3 upward, focusing on cybersecurity and ethical tech use
- Greater emphasis on First Nations history and language studies
- Expanded STEM learning paths in secondary schools including robotics, data science, and AI
- Additional support programs for English as a Second Language (ESL) students
- New career pathway modules to help students prepare for work or tertiary education
Additional reform updates:
- Schools across NSW, VIC, and QLD to pilot new student wellbeing framework
- Updated NAPLAN alignment now incorporates social-emotional learning goals
How Parents Can Use the 2025 School Calendar
The 2025 school calendar isn’t just for booking holidays. It’s a valuable resource that helps families organise academic goals, extracurricular activities, and vacation planning.
Tips for families:
- Use the calendar to schedule homework plans and exam preparation
- Align family leave or travel with school breaks to minimise disruption
- Stay informed about student-free days to arrange childcare in advance
- Attend parent-teacher meetings which often follow term midpoints
- Be aware of public holiday overlaps that affect long weekends
Helpful planning resources:
- Downloadable versions of the 2025 academic calendar are available on each state’s Department of Education website
- Set reminders for term start/end, public holidays, and NAPLAN schedules
State-Wise Table: Summary of School Calendar Essentials
This table offers a quick summary of essential information for each region:
| State/Territory | Public School Start Date | Total Student Days (approx.) | Pupil-Free Days | Key Curriculum Focus 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | January 28 | 199 | 4 | Digital literacy, First Nations |
| Victoria | January 29 | 198 | 4 | STEM expansion, inclusive learning |
| Queensland | January 22 | 201 | 3 | Pathway programs, social wellbeing |
| Western Australia | January 30 | 200 | 4 | Robotics in curriculum |
| South Australia | January 28 | 198 | 4 | Indigenous history |
| Tasmania | February 6 | 195 | 4 | ESL support, digital curriculum |
| ACT | January 30 | 198 | 3 | Ethical tech, NAPLAN integration |
| Northern Territory | January 29 | 196 | 4 | Literacy focus, cultural inclusion |
Tip: Public and Catholic schools often follow the same calendar. Independent schools may vary by up to 2 weeks.
FAQs for Australian school calendar for 2025
Q1: When does school start in 2025 in Australia?
A: Most states begin Term 1 in the last week of January 2025, except Tasmania which starts on February 6.
Q2: Will there be any changes to NAPLAN testing in 2025?
A: Yes, NAPLAN continues to align with the new wellbeing-based framework and will be conducted online during Term 1.
Q3: How many school days are there in 2025?
A: On average, students will attend around 195–201 school days, depending on the state.
Q4: Are public holidays included in school holidays?
A: Some public holidays fall within term breaks, while others occur during school terms and result in single-day closures.
Q5: How can I get a copy of the 2025 school calendar?
A: Visit your state’s Department of Education website or request a printout from your child’s school.
Q6: What’s new in the 2025 curriculum for students?
A: Key updates include digital learning, Indigenous studies, enhanced STEM, and student wellbeing programs.
Q7: Are pupil-free days the same across all schools?
A: No. They vary by region and individual school. Check with your school directly for the most accurate dates.
The release of the 2025 Australian school calendar provides families, educators, and students with a structured roadmap for the year ahead. With clear term dates, public holidays, and fresh curriculum updates, the academic journey in 2025 is shaping up to be more innovative, inclusive, and digitally aligned than ever before. Parents are strongly encouraged to review their state’s term schedule, stay informed about local developments, and engage proactively in their child’s educational progress.
