Pupil-Free Days ACT 2027: Dates and Student Returns

ACT public schools have four published student-free days in 2027: 29 January, 27 April, 19 July and 11 October. February attendance starts differ for new and continuing students.

ACT student-free dates in 2027

These four teacher commencement dates are explicitly labelled student-free in the ACT Government calendar. Monday 1 February is a student start day for new students, not a fifth student-free day across all public schools.

The April date falls on a Tuesday

The Term 2 student-free day is Tuesday 27 April. Students return on Wednesday 28 April. Keep the teacher and student dates separate when arranging the end of the autumn break.

The ACT 2027 calendar shows recorded staff days alongside school breaks and public holidays. Confirm your child's attendance dates with the school, particularly if they are starting at a new school in February.

Plan care through the student return date

A calendar that says “teachers commence” does not mean children return that day. Use the student column above for your care booking, then ask the school about any arrangements specific to your child.

Check directly with your care provider for opening hours and places on student-free days. Catholic and independent schools may follow different dates from the ACT public-school calendar.

Official source

Checked against page 1 of the ACT Government's Public School Term Dates 2026–2030 on 20 September 2026. These dates agree with the verified records used by our ACT calendar.

Families comparing Canberra and nearby NSW schools can use the NSW 2027 development-day guide. The two systems have different schedules.

Frequently asked questions

Do all ACT students start on 1 February 2027?

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No. The public-school calendar lists Monday 1 February for new students and Tuesday 2 February for continuing students. Confirm your child's group with the school.

Is the ACT Term 2 student-free day 26 or 27 April?

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Tuesday 27 April 2027 is the published student-free day. The student return date is Wednesday 28 April.

Are ACT student-free dates chosen only by individual schools?

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No. The ACT Government publishes the four teacher commencement dates as student-free days for public schools. Check your school for any further attendance arrangements.