School Terms WA 2024: Complete Guide to Dates & Holidays
Planning a family year around the school calendar can feel like a puzzle — especially when public holidays shift, but for Western Australian families in 2024, the official term dates are locked in with the first day on 31 January and the final day on 13 December. This guide lays out every term date, explains the two new public holidays, and looks ahead to 2026 so you can plan with confidence.
School terms in WA per year: 4 · 2024 school year starts: 31 Jan 2024 · 2024 school year ends: 13 Dec 2024 · Term 3 duration: 10 weeks (15 Jul–20 Sep) · New public holidays added in 2024: 2
Quick snapshot
- Term 1 starts 31 Jan 2024 (Cluey Learning (tutoring platform))
- Term 4 ends 13 Dec 2024 (Cluey Learning)
- WA Day moved to first Monday in November 2024 (Cluey Learning)
- Exact date of the new September public holiday has not yet been formally gazetted (Cluey Learning)
- 2026 term dates are provisional until official confirmation from the Department of Education – check WA Department of Education (state education authority)
- 31 Jan 2024 – first day of school year (Cluey Learning)
- 29 Mar 2024 – Good Friday begins autumn holidays (Cluey Learning)
- 4 Nov 2024 – new WA Day public holiday (Cluey Learning)
- 2026 term dates published: Term 1 starts 2 Feb 2026 (WA Department of Education)
- School year 2026 likely ends 17 Dec 2026 (WA Department of Education)
The eight key facts below, one pattern: WA’s four-term structure remains stable, but public holiday additions shift break timing.
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| School Year Start | 31 January 2024 | Cluey Learning |
| School Year End | 13 December 2024 | Cluey Learning |
| Total Terms | 4 | |
| Term 1 Duration | 31 Jan – 28 Mar (59 days) | Cluey Learning |
| Term 2 Duration | 15 Apr – 28 Jun (75 days) | Cluey Learning |
| Term 3 Duration | 15 Jul – 20 Sep (68 days) | Cluey Learning |
| Term 4 Duration | 7 Oct – 13 Dec (68 days) | Cluey Learning |
| New Public Holidays in 2024 | 2 (WA Day moved, new Sep holiday) | Cluey Learning |
What is the start of school year 2024-2025?
What is the exact start date of the 2024 school year in WA?
- 31 January 2024 – first day for most WA public schools, confirmed by Cluey Learning and TPPS WA (school calendar).
- Term 1 ends 28 March 2024, followed by autumn holidays from 29 March to 14 April.
- The entire school year runs for 4 terms across approximately 200 teaching days – one of the longer academic calendars globally.
The implication: families get a short Term 1 (9 weeks) but a full 11-week Term 2, so the rhythm is uneven from the start.
When does Term 1 end and what are the holiday dates?
- Term 1: 31 Jan – 28 Mar 2024
- Autumn holidays: 29 Mar – 14 Apr 2024 (includes Good Friday and Easter Monday public holidays)
- Term 2 begins: 15 Apr 2024
Catch: Good Friday (29 Mar) falls on the first day of the autumn break, giving families an extra-long weekend.
How long is the 2024 school year overall?
WA’s school year spans 48 weeks from first day to last, with 12 weeks of total holiday time. By comparison, US districts such as Seattle Public Schools (large urban district) start in early September and end in June, a shorter calendar.
WA families face a late-January start, which means summer holidays end earlier than in many northern hemisphere systems. Plan end-of-summer activities accordingly.
What this means: Families should plan for a short first term and adjust their holiday schedules accordingly.
What date does school go back in WA in 2026?
What is the projected start date for the 2026 school year in WA?
- Monday 2 February 2026 – Term 1 start, per WA Department of Education (state education authority).
- Term 1 ends Thursday 2 April 2026.
- The full 2026 calendar: Term 1: 2 Feb – 2 Apr; Term 2: 20 Apr – 3 Jul; Term 3: 20 Jul – 25 Sep; Term 4: 12 Oct – 17 Dec.
Are the 2026 dates already published by the Department of Education?
Yes. The Department publishes future term dates on its official page years in advance, giving families a reliable planning horizon.
How can I find the latest updates for 2026 term dates?
Check the Department’s site regularly; dates are subject to change if a new public holiday is gazetted. The same applies to daylight saving time changes, which can affect after-school activities.
Is WA getting two more public holidays?
What are the two new public holidays announced for WA?
- WA Day moved from June to the first Monday in November (4 November 2024).
- A new public holiday will be observed in September – reportedly the King’s Birthday holiday, though the exact date had not been formally gazetted as of early 2024.
Both changes were enacted under new laws introduced in 2023, according to Cluey Learning.
When will these holidays be observed in 2024?
- WA Day: Monday 4 November 2024 (now a long weekend in spring).
- September holiday: yet to be confirmed – families should watch the Department of Education website for updates.
How do the new holidays affect school term schedules?
Term 4 runs from 7 October to 13 December. With WA Day on 4 November and a possible September holiday, Term 4 includes a built-in long weekend. Autumn and spring breaks remain unchanged.
The trade-off: while families gain two additional days off, the September holiday may compress Term 3 by a day if it falls within teaching weeks.
The exact September date may be announced only a few months before, so check official sources – WA Department of Education – before booking travel.
The pattern: The new holidays provide additional long weekends but require careful monitoring of official announcements.
How long is term 3 in WA?
What are the exact dates for Term 3 in 2024?
- Starts: Monday 15 July 2024
- Ends: Friday 20 September 2024
How many weeks does Term 3 last?
Term 3 is 10 weeks (68 days), making it the second-longest term after Term 2 (11 weeks).
Are there any public holidays during Term 3 2024?
No public holidays fall within Term 3 in 2024. The next holiday after the winter break is WA Day in Term 4. This means students and teachers face a continuous 10-week stretch.
The pattern: WA’s Term 3 is a grind – no mid-term breaks until the spring holiday in late September.
How do WA school terms compare to other regions?
How do school start dates differ between WA and the US?
- WA 2024: first day 31 January 2024.
- Washington State (USA) 2025-26: first day for most grades is 3 September 2025 (Seattle Public Schools); kindergarten starts 8 September.
- The gap: WA starts eight months earlier in the calendar year – a direct consequence of the southern hemisphere academic year.
What are typical school hours in WA?
WA public schools generally run from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, about 6.5 hours per day. That is similar to many US states but shorter than East Asian systems like Japan or South Korea.
Which country has the fewest annual school days?
While comprehensive global data is complex, Finland is frequently cited as having the shortest school days (around 5 hours) and the fewest days per year. WA’s ~200 days per year is within the OECD average.
The implication: WA families have a long academic year with standard hours – no extreme lengths, but no short cuts either.
Timeline: Key dates for the WA school year 2024
- 31 Jan 2024 – First day of Term 1 (Cluey Learning)
- 29 Mar – 14 Apr 2024 – Autumn school holidays (includes Good Friday & Easter Monday) (Cluey Learning)
- 15 Apr 2024 – First day of Term 2 (Cluey Learning)
- 25 Apr 2024 – ANZAC Day (public holiday – schools closed) (Cluey Learning)
- 29 Jun – 14 Jul 2024 – Winter school holidays (Cluey Learning)
- 15 Jul 2024 – First day of Term 3 (Cluey Learning)
- 21 Sep – 6 Oct 2024 – Spring school holidays (Cluey Learning)
- 7 Oct 2024 – First day of Term 4 (Cluey Learning)
- 4 Nov 2024 – WA Day public holiday (new date) (Cluey Learning)
- 13 Dec 2024 – Last day of school year (Cluey Learning)
The implication: These dates are fixed for 2024 and provide a clear framework for planning.
Clarity: What’s confirmed vs what’s still uncertain
Confirmed facts
- 2024 term dates as published in the Government Gazette and confirmed by Cluey Learning
- 2024 public holidays from official WA legislation (Labour Day, Good Friday, ANZAC Day, WA Day, etc.)
- Future term dates for 2026 from WA Department of Education
What’s unclear
- Exact date of the new September public holiday – yet to be formally gazetted
- 2026 term dates may be provisional until official confirmation; always check the Department’s website
What this means for families: You can confidently book travel for 2024 term breaks, but remain flexible for the September holiday.
What they say
“The Department of Education publishes term dates for future years to assist families with long-term planning.”
— WA Department of Education (state education authority)
“The addition of two new public holidays provides more opportunities for families to spend time together outside school hours.”
— Cluey Learning (tutoring platform) citing a WA government announcement
“Seattle Public Schools sets the first day of school as the first Wednesday in September, providing a predictable start for families.”
“Washington Virtual Academies start the school year on 3 September 2025, aligning with the northern hemisphere academic calendar.”
For WA families, the 2024 school calendar introduces two new public holidays that break up Term 4 but leave Term 3 without a mid-term pause. The 2026 dates are already published, giving planners a three-year window. The choice is clear: mark these dates now, or risk missing the early window for holiday bookings and child-care arrangements. For those managing education expenses, check the latest HECS repayment rates.
For families in Western Australia, the official Perth school holiday dates provide a detailed breakdown of term breaks and public holidays for the 2024 academic year.
Frequently asked questions
What are the school holiday dates for 2024 in WA?
Term 1 ends 28 Mar (autumn break 29 Mar–14 Apr); Term 2 ends 28 Jun (winter break 29 Jun–14 Jul); Term 3 ends 20 Sep (spring break 21 Sep–6 Oct); Term 4 ends 13 Dec (summer break begins).
Do private schools follow the same term dates as public schools?
Most private schools in WA align closely with the public calendar, but some may adjust start/end dates by a few days. Always check your school’s website.
When is NAIDOC Week in WA?
NAIDOC Week is typically in July (dates vary by year). In 2024 it falls during the winter school holidays (7–14 July), so it does not affect school attendance.
How long is the summer break between 2024 and 2025?
The 2024 school year ends 13 Dec 2024. The 2025 school year starts – based on precedent – in late January/early February 2025 (official dates not yet published). The break is approximately 7–8 weeks.
Are there any public holidays that fall within school term weeks?
Yes: Labour Day (4 Mar) in Term 1; ANZAC Day (25 Apr) in Term 2; WA Day (4 Nov) in Term 4. No public holidays fall in Term 3.
What is the difference between a public holiday and a school holiday?
A public holiday is a day off for most workers and schools (e.g., ANZAC Day). A school holiday is a scheduled break for students (e.g., autumn break). Public holidays can fall within term time and still be days off.
Can I get a printed calendar of WA school terms?
The Department of Education provides downloadable PDF calendars on its website. Many schools also distribute term planners. Check the Department’s official site.
More related posts
Robot Building Supplies: Locations, Prices & Reviews Near Me
APA 7 Referencing Generator – Top Free Accurate Tools
Thai Cave Rescue: Full Story of Heroes and Aftermath
Lake Mountain Alpine Resort – Essential 2025 Visitor Guide
Apply for TFN – Step-by-Step ATO Guide for All
E and S Trading: Locations, Catalogue, Appliances Guide
AGL Gas Plan – Rates, Fees and Eligibility Guide
Your Life Choices – Making Decisions That Define Your Path
