Perth School Holidays – Complete 2024-2025 Dates Guide
Western Australian public schools operate under a standardized calendar established by the Department of Education, providing families with predictable dates for planning purposes throughout the year. Understanding these school holiday periods helps parents coordinate work schedules, family travel, and childcare arrangements well in advance.
This guide presents verified term dates and holiday periods for Perth public schools across 2024 and 2025, drawing from official departmental sources. While the core calendar remains consistent across government schools, private institutions may observe slightly different schedules that warrant direct verification with individual schools.
Families should also account for public holidays when mapping out their annual planning, as these state-observed dates often coincide with or extend school break periods.
What are the Perth school holidays dates for 2024?
Term 3 2024 runs from Monday, 22 July through Friday, 27 September, with the subsequent autumn holiday break spanning Saturday, 28 September to Sunday, 13 October. Detailed coverage of earlier 2024 terms remains limited across official sources, though the Department of Education publishes annual calendars through its official channels.
2024-2025 Overview Snapshot
Term 3 2024: 22 July – 27 Sep
28 Sep – 13 Oct 2024
(16 days)
Late Dec 2024 – Early Feb 2025
Term 1 starts 5 February
Key Insights for 2024 Planning
- Western Australian public school holidays apply uniformly across all government schools in Perth and regional areas
- Public holidays such as ANZAC Day and Western Australia Day may extend or slightly modify break periods
- Private schools in WA set their own term dates and may vary by one to two weeks from public school calendars
- Peak family travel periods typically align with major holiday breaks, particularly summer and autumn holidays
- Official Department of Education publications remain the primary authoritative source for date verification
- Pupil-free days may occur within terms and vary by individual school
2024-2025 Public School Terms and Holidays
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holiday Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 3, 2024 | 22 July 2024 | 27 September 2024 | — |
| Autumn Holidays 2024 | 28 September 2024 | 13 October 2024 | 16 days |
| Term 4, 2024 | 14 October 2024 | December 2024 | — |
| Summer Holidays 2024-2025 | December 2024 | 4 February 2025 | ~7 weeks |
| Term 1, 2025 | 5 February 2025 | 11 April 2025 | — |
| Autumn Holidays 2025 | 12 April 2025 | 27 April 2025 | 16 days |
For families considering travel during school holidays, booking accommodations and transportation early often secures better availability and pricing, particularly during the summer break period from mid-December through mid-January.
What are the WA school term dates for 2025?
The 2025 school year in Western Australian public schools follows a consistent four-term structure, with each term spanning approximately nine to eleven weeks. These dates apply uniformly across all government schools throughout Perth and the broader state.
Full 2025 Academic Calendar
Term 1 begins on Wednesday, 5 February and concludes on Friday, 11 April. The autumn holiday break follows, running from Saturday, 12 April through Sunday, 27 April. Easter 2025 falls within this break, with the Easter weekend observed from 18 to 21 April. ANZAC Day on 25 April also occurs during the Term 1 holidays.
Term 2 commences on Monday, 28 April and extends to Friday, 4 July. This term includes the Western Australia Day public holiday on Monday, 2 June, which often results in a long weekend for families. The winter holiday break spans Saturday, 5 July to Sunday, 20 July.
Term 3 runs from Monday, 21 July through Friday, 26 September. The spring holiday period follows, beginning Saturday, 27 September and continuing to Sunday, 12 October.
Term 4 starts on Monday, 13 October and concludes on either Thursday or Friday, 18 December depending on the specific year calendar. Summer holidays commence on Friday, 19 December 2025 and continue through Sunday, 1 February 2026, marking the longest break of the academic year.
Public Holidays Impacting the 2025 Calendar
- New Year’s Day: 1 January 2025
- Australia Day: 27 January 2025
- Labour Day: 3 March 2025
- Easter Friday: 18 April 2025
- Easter Monday: 21 April 2025
- ANZAC Day: 25 April 2025
- Western Australia Day: 2 June 2025
- King’s Birthday: 29 September 2025
- Christmas Day: 25 December 2025
- Boxing Day: 26 December 2025
In total, eleven public holidays fall within or adjacent to the school calendar year, with several occurring during established holiday periods.
The WA Department of Education publishes official term dates through the education.wa.edu.au website. Multiple independent sources show high consistency for 2025 public school dates, with minor variations only in the final day of Term 4 (Thursday or Friday, 18 December).
Are private school holidays the same as public in Perth?
Private and independent schools in Western Australia establish their own term dates, meaning these may differ from the public school calendar. While many private schools align closely with government school schedules, variations of one to two weeks are common and entirely permissible.
Examples of Private School Variations
Perth College sets its Term 2 commencement for Tuesday, 28 April, accounting for the ANZAC Monday public holiday on 27 April. The school also observes a mid-term break from Friday, 29 May through Monday, 1 June, which encompasses the Western Australia Day holiday.
All Saints’ College schedules its ANZAC-related staff day on Monday, 20 April, and observes WA Day on Monday, 1 June. Term 3 at this institution begins on Wednesday, 22 July, representing a slight variation from the public school start date.
No universal calendar governs private school term dates across Western Australia. Parents with children enrolled in non-government schools should verify specific dates directly with their school administration, particularly when planning travel or scheduling appointments during school periods.
Comparison with Other Australian States
Western Australia’s school calendar differs from other states primarily due to regional public holiday variations and the timing of Term 1 commencement. The following comparison outlines key differences for 2025:
| State | Term 1 Start/End | Key Differences from WA |
|---|---|---|
| Western Australia | 5 Feb – 11 Apr | WA Day (2 Jun); King’s Birthday (29 Sep) |
| New South Wales | Late Jan – early Apr | Earlier Term 1 start; Queen’s Birthday in October |
| Victoria | Late Jan – early Apr | Labour Day in March; different mid-year timing |
| Queensland | Late Jan – early Apr | Queen’s Birthday October; Ekka holidays in August |
| South Australia | Late Jan – early Apr | Adelaide Cup in March; Proclamation Day in December |
State-specific public holidays drive most of these variations. Western Australia’s unique position as the only state observing WA Day and its distinct King’s Birthday date in late September creates the most notable differences from eastern seaboard calendars.
When does school go back in Perth?
For the 2025 academic year, Western Australian public school students return to classrooms on Wednesday, 5 February, marking the start of Term 1. This represents a later commencement than most eastern states, which typically begin their first term in late January.
Looking ahead to 2026, public schools are currently projected to resume on approximately 2 February, following a similar structure to the 2025 calendar. Parents should monitor official Department of Education announcements for confirmed dates as each year approaches.
What to Do During Perth School Holidays
School holiday periods offer families opportunities to explore Western Australia’s diverse attractions. Spring holidays coincide with wildflower season at Kings Park and surrounding regional areas. Winter breaks provide ideal conditions for visiting beaches and Rottnest Island, while summer holidays accommodate water-based activities and outdoor adventures.
Families interested in combining school holiday timing with travel should consider consulting Western Australia’s official tourism resources for activity inspiration. ANZAC Day commemorations also present educational opportunities during the Term 1 holiday break.
Rottnest Island ferries operate year-round, but holiday periods see significantly increased demand. Booking ferry tickets and accommodation well in advance during school breaks is strongly recommended to secure preferred travel dates.
School Holiday Timeline: Key Dates 2024-2026
The following timeline presents the major school holiday periods and term transitions for Western Australian public schools:
- Term 3 2024 ends: Friday, 27 September
- Autumn holidays 2024: 28 September – 13 October
- Term 4 2024 begins: Monday, 14 October
- Summer holidays 2024-2025: December 2024 – 4 February 2025
- Term 1 2025 begins: Wednesday, 5 February
- Autumn holidays 2025: 12 April – 27 April
- Winter holidays 2025: 5 July – 20 July
- Spring holidays 2025: 27 September – 12 October
- Summer holidays 2025-2026: 19 December 2025 – 1 February 2026
- Term 1 2026 begins: Approximately 2 February
What Information Is Confirmed Versus Uncertain
| Established Information | Information Requiring Verification |
|---|---|
|
|
Understanding the WA School Calendar Framework
The Department of Education establishes school term dates annually through the Government Gazette, ensuring consistency across Western Australia’s extensive network of public schools. This standardization supports families who relocate within the state, as children can transition between schools without adjusting to different academic calendars.
The calendar framework balances educational requirements with practical considerations, including alignment with significant public holidays and optimal seasonal conditions for learning. Summer holidays occur during December and January to avoid the peak heat of February and March, while winter and spring breaks provide natural rest points during the cooler months.
Regional variations in term dates across Australia reflect each state’s approach to managing public holidays, seasonal conditions, and historical scheduling conventions. Families moving between states should account for these differences when planning transitions.
Official Sources and References
The primary authoritative source for Western Australian school term dates remains the Department of Education’s official publications. Families seeking the most current information should consult:
- WA Department of Education – Future Term Dates
- WA Government Education Department
- Australian Government Public Holidays
Independent education resources including Studiosity, Excel Academics, and KIS Academics provide supplementary date verification and comparison across sources.
Summary: Planning Your Year with Perth School Holidays
Western Australian public schools provide a predictable and well-documented calendar that serves families throughout the year. The 2025 schedule features Term 1 commencing 5 February, with major holiday breaks at Easter, mid-year, spring, and summer. Private school families should verify dates directly with their institutions, while all parents benefit from early planning around peak travel periods. The Department of Education remains the definitive source for official announcements and any calendar updates.
For families seeking entertainment options during school breaks, the Swan Valley Station offers regional activities suitable for various age groups, while those interested in cultural programming might explore Swan Valley Station for local attractions and events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dates are the summer holidays in Perth schools?
Summer holidays for WA public schools begin in mid-to-late December (Term 4 concludes around 18 December) and continue until early February (Term 1 starts 5 February 2025). This represents approximately seven weeks of break, the longest holiday period of the academic year.
What activities are available during Perth school holidays?
Popular options include beaches, Rottnest Island ferries, Kings Park wildflowers (spring), and public holiday commemorations. The Western Australia tourism site provides regional activity suggestions aligned with school holiday periods.
Are WA school holidays the same as other Australian states?
No. Western Australia typically starts Term 1 later (early February versus late January in eastern states) and observes different public holidays including WA Day (2 June) and King’s Birthday (29 September). These variations create different holiday timing compared to NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia.
How do I get a Perth school holidays calendar?
The WA Department of Education website publishes official term dates. Parents should also verify specific dates with their child’s school, as individual institutions may schedule pupil-free days within the broader calendar.
Do private schools in Perth follow the same holiday dates as public schools?
Private schools set their own term dates and often vary from public school calendars by one to two weeks. Examples include Perth College and All Saints’ College, both showing slight variations. Parents should check directly with their child’s private school for confirmed dates.
When does school go back in Perth after holidays?
For 2025, school returns on Wednesday, 5 February (Term 1), Monday, 28 April (Term 2), Monday, 21 July (Term 3), and Monday, 13 October (Term 4). The 2026 academic year is currently projected to begin around 2 February.
How many public holidays fall during the school year in WA?
Western Australia observes 11 public holidays relevant to school planning in 2025, including New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Labour Day, Easter period, ANZAC Day, WA Day, King’s Birthday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Several occur within established school holiday periods.
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