NT School Holidays 2026: School Term Dates & Public Holidays

Making plans for your school holidays in 2026? Discover the key dates for this year's school terms, public holidays and and school holidays for students in the Northern Territory.

⬇️ Download your free 2026 calendar for school holidays & term dates.

🔎 Popular: nt public holidays 2026, school holidays 2026 darwin, nt school holidays

2026 NT School Holidays & School Term Dates

For students attending Gunbalanya School, please refer to the flexible school calendar below to determine the correct school term and holiday dates.

See 2026 Gunbalanya School Calendar

NT Public Holidays 2026

For the public holiday dates for other Australian states, please read our our complete 2026 public holiday article.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the 2026 school terms start and finish in the Northern Territory?

In the Northern Territory, Term 1 runs from Thursday 29 January 2026 to Thursday 2 April 2026. Term 2 starts on Tuesday 14 April 2026 and finishes on Friday 19 June 2026. Term 3 runs from Tuesday 14 July 2026 to Friday 18 September 2026. Term 4 starts on Tuesday 6 October 2026 and ends on Thursday 10 December 2026.

When are the school holiday breaks in the Northern Territory in 2026?

The 2026 holiday breaks in the Northern Territory are Friday 3 April to Monday 13 April 2026 for the autumn break, Saturday 20 June to Monday 13 July 2026 for the winter holidays, Saturday 19 September to Monday 5 October 2026 for the spring break and Friday 11 December 2026 to Tuesday 28 January 2027 for the summer holidays.

When does school go back in the NT after the Christmas holidays?

After the 2025–2026 summer break, students return to school for Term 1 on Thursday 29 January 2026 in the Northern Territory.

When do the summer holidays start in the Northern Territory in 2026?

The end-of-year school holidays begin on Friday 11 December 2026, after Term 4 finishes on Thursday 10 December 2026.

How long is the summer school holiday break in the NT for 2026–2027?

The summer break in the Northern Territory runs from Friday 11 December 2026 to Tuesday 28 January 2027, making it just over six weeks long.

What is the first day of school in the Northern Territory in 2026?

The first day of school for students in the Northern Territory in 2026 is Thursday 29 January 2026.

Are school holiday dates the same for all schools in the Northern Territory?

Not always. While most schools follow the standard Northern Territory calendar, some schools may have different arrangements. For example, Gunbalanya School follows a flexible school calendar, so families should check their school’s dates if they are unsure.

Do non-government schools in the NT follow the same term dates?

Many non-government schools follow a similar yearly pattern, but some may have slight differences in term dates, holiday periods or pupil-free days. It is always best to confirm dates directly with the school.

What public holidays fall during the 2026 Northern Territory school year?

Several public holidays fall during the 2026 school year in the Northern Territory, including Good Friday on 3 April, Easter Monday on 6 April, Anzac Day on 25 April, May Day on 4 May, King’s Birthday on 8 June and Picnic Day on 3 August 2026.