Queensland state schools start Term 4, 2026 on Tuesday 6 October and finish on Friday 11 December. The term runs for 10 weeks and includes the Year 12 external assessment block, end-of-year events and transition activities for students moving into the next year level.
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KEY ARTICLE INSIGHTS:
Queensland state schools start Term 4, 2026 on Tuesday 6 October, one day later than usual because the King's Birthday public holiday falls on Monday 5 October
Term 4 finishes on Friday 11 December 2026 with the summer holidays beginning on Saturday 12 December
The Year 12 external assessment block runs from Monday 26 October to Tuesday 17 November within Term 4
Term 4 is the busiest and most important term of the year for Queensland families at every year level
Term 4 2026 Key Dates at a Glance
Term 4 2026 Schedule | Date |
Term 4 Start | Tuesday 6 October 2026 |
Term 4 End | Friday 11 December 2026 |
Summer Holidays Begin | Saturday 12 December 2026 |
Year 12 External Exams | Monday 26 October to Tuesday 17 November 2026 |
King's Birthday Public Holiday | Monday 5 October 2026 |
Why Does Term 4 Start on a Tuesday?
Term 4, 2026 starts on Tuesday 6 October because Monday 5 October is the King's Birthday public holiday in Queensland. This is a common source of confusion each year. The term start date is pushed back by one day to account for the public holiday.
What Happens During Term 4?
Every year, Term 4 is the busiest and most important term of the year for Queensland families. Here is what to expect across different year levels:
Year 12 students: The QCAA external assessment block runs from 26 October to 17 November. After exams finish, Year 12 students formally graduate and await their ATAR results in December. For a full breakdown of exam dates, see the QCE External Exam Timetable 2026.
Year 10 and 11 students: Students in Years 10 and 11 often finish classes or move to alternative timetables before the official school end date of 11 December. Check with your specific school for exact arrangements. For Year 11 students approaching the ATAR pathway, Term 4 is an important window to address any gaps before Year 12 begins.
Primary school students: Term 4 brings sports days, hat requirements due to rising temperatures, awards ceremonies, transition days for the next year level and final reporting periods.
🎓 Thinking about starting tutoring in Term 4?
Many families book before the term begins to secure a tutor before spots fill up. It's also a great time to address known learning gaps that have appeared throughout the school year or get a head start on preparing for the transition to next year, especially if it's Year 7 or Year 11.
Do Private and Catholic Schools Have the Same Dates?
Not always. Private, independent and Catholic schools in Queensland may have slightly different start and finish dates as well as additional student-free days. Always check directly with your school to confirm the exact term calendar for 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date does Term 4 start in Queensland 2026?
Queensland state schools start Term 4 2026 on Tuesday 6 October. The term begins on a Tuesday rather than the usual Monday because Monday 5 October is the King's Birthday public holiday in Queensland.
How many weeks is Term 4 in Queensland 2026?
Term 4 2026 runs for 10 weeks, from Tuesday 6 October to Friday 11 December.
When do Queensland schools go back in Term 4 2026?
Queensland state schools go back for Term 4 on Tuesday 6 October 2026. This is one day later than a typical Monday start due to the King's Birthday public holiday falling on 5 October.
When do Queensland schools finish for the year in 2026?
Queensland state schools finish Term 4 and the school year on Friday 11 December 2026. The summer holidays begin on Saturday 12 December 2026 and run through to the end of January 2027.
Do private schools in Queensland follow the same Term 4 dates?
Not always. Private, independent and Catholic schools in Queensland may have slightly different start and finish dates as well as additional student-free days. Always check directly with your child's school to confirm their specific term calendar for 2026.
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