When Do Kids Go Back to School? – 2026 Term Dates by State
Get ready for the 2026 school year with our easy breakdown of Term dates by State. Plan for uniforms, school shoes and accessories with our Back-to-School essentials. Shop now.
Title: When Do Kids Go Back to School? – 2026 Term Dates by State
Planning ahead for the new school year? Whether you're sorting out new school shoes, taking down uniform hems, or buying new accessories, knowing the key dates helps make Back to School stress-free.
Here we break down the 2026 term dates by State, including holidays and development days, so you can plan everything from family trips to your Back-to-School shopping list.
Before you dive in, explore our Back-to-School Collection for bestselling school shoes, water bottles, socks, and more.
Not sure which size to get? View our Size Guide for accurate fittings every time.
2026 School Term Dates by State
New South Wales (NSW)
Term 1
- Eastern division: January 27 – April 6
- Western division: February 3 – April 6
Term 2: April 20 – July 3
Term 3: July 20 – September 25
Term 4: October 12 – December 17
Tip for NSW families:
With two different Term 1 start times, December shoe shopping ensures you beat the rush (and get the size you need) especially for Western division schools starting later.
Victoria (VIC)
Term 1: January 27 (January 28 in government schools) – April 2
Term 2: April 20 – June 26
Term 3: July 13 – September 18
Term 4: October 5 – December 18
Good to know:
Shop uniforms and school shoes before the mid-January spike to ensure you get the best style and fit. T-Bars can sell out, so get in early if your child likes this style.
Queensland (QLD)
Term 1: January 27 – April 2
Term 2: April 20 – June 26
Term 3: July 13 – September 18
Term 4: October 6 – December 11
Planning tip:
Queensland families often travel over the long summer break, so book your free fit check for the Expert Shoe Crew early to avoid the late January rush.
South Australia (SA)
Term 1: January 27 – April 10
Term 2: April 27 – July 3
Term 3: July 20 – September 25
Term 4: October 12 – December 18
Planning tip:
Purchase your school shoes early – to allow extra time for breaking in new leather school shoes.
Make Back-to-School Prep Easy
Once you know the dates, it’s time to get organised. Start early to avoid queues, last-minute sizing issues and out-of-stock styles.
Shop school shoes early
Starting school in late January means kids have time to break in their new leather shoes comfortably.
Shop Back to School
Ensure the right fit
Kids' feet grow fast - up to half a size every 4–6 months.
View our Size Guide
Get expert help
Book a FREE fit check to get the right length, width and support.
