Pupil-Free Days NSW 2027: School Development Days
Check NSW's eight school development days for 2027, including Eastern and Western Division dates, student returns and what to confirm with your school.
NSW public schools have eight school development days in 2027. The Term 1 dates differ between Eastern and Western Division schools; the other four dates are shared. Schools may vary the published dates.
Term 1: choose your division
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Public schools only. Checked 20 September 2026. Official Western Division list · Open the full school lookup
| Division | Development days | Students return |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Division | Thursday 28–Friday 29 January Monday 1–Tuesday 2 February | Wednesday 3 February |
| Western Division | Thursday 4–Friday 5 February Monday 8–Tuesday 9 February | Wednesday 10 February |
Each division has four development weekdays, with a weekend between the two pairs.
Terms 2–4: the same for both divisions
| Term | Development days | First student day |
|---|---|---|
| Term 2 | Tuesday 27–Wednesday 28 April (before term) | Thursday 29 April |
| Term 3 | Monday 19 July (before term) | Tuesday 20 July |
| Term 4 | Monday 20 December (after term ends) | Monday 11 October |
Term 4 ends for students on Friday 17 December. The student break starts on Saturday 18 December, including the Monday 20 December staff day; the official summer vacation starts Tuesday 21 December.
Confirm the student return date before booking care
The department says some development dates may vary. Check the school newsletter, website or parent app for both the staff day and the date your child returns, especially if your children attend different schools.
The published student return dates above already account for the development days. Do not add another four days to the February student start. Catholic and independent schools may use different calendars.
Add your school's confirmed dates to the NSW 2027 term planner. Ask your care service separately whether it opens on those days.
Official sources
Checked 24 October 2026 against the department's 2027 school development days and its 2027 student calendar. See our NSW term calendar.
The 2026 NSW guide remains available for past dates. For another jurisdiction, see pupil-free days by state.
Frequently asked questions
Are the January and February weekends development days?
No. Each division has four weekday development days at the start of the year. The intervening Saturday and Sunday are not extra development days.
Can my NSW public school use a different date?
Yes. The department warns that some dates may vary, so use your school's confirmed calendar for attendance and care bookings.
Are school development days public holidays?
No. They are school staff days when students do not attend, and do not themselves create a public holiday for parents.
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