The Geelong College, one of Victoria’s leading independent schools, follows a well-structured academic calendar designed to promote balanced learning and student wellbeing. Each term blends rigorous academics, vibrant co-curricular activities, and ample time for rest and family life.
If you’re a parent planning family holidays or a student preparing study schedules, this guide will help you stay organized. Below, you’ll find every essential term date for 2025 and 2026, along with insights, holiday notes, and FAQs to make your school planning smoother.
Geelong College Term Dates 2025
Term 1: New Beginnings and Community Spirit
New Staff Day: Thursday 23 January 2025
New Teaching Staff Day: Friday 24 January 2025
Australia Day Holiday: Monday 27 January 2025
Staff Commence: Tuesday 28 January 2025
Students Commence: Friday 31 January 2025
Labour Day Holiday: Monday 10 March 2025
Term Ends: Friday 4 April 2025
The school year kicks off with induction and staff preparation in late January. Students return just before February for a vibrant start full of house activities, goal setting, and orientation programs.
The Labour Day holiday on 10 March offers a refreshing pause midway through Term 1. The term concludes on 4 April, giving students a well-earned break leading into Easter.
Additional Holidays:
- Good Friday – 18 April 2025
- Easter Monday – 21 April 2025
Term 2: Academic Focus and Steady Progress
Staff Commence: Tuesday 22 April 2025
Students Commence: Wednesday 23 April 2025
ANZAC Day Holiday: Friday 25 April 2025
King’s Birthday Holiday: Monday 9 June 2025
Term Ends: Friday 27 June 2025
This term encourages focused study and consistent growth. With public holidays such as ANZAC Day and the King’s Birthday, students can enjoy a few mid-term breaks. The term closes at the end of June, ushering in the mid-year holidays.
Term 3: Growth, Sports, and School Pride
Staff Commence: Monday 21 July 2025
Students Commence: Tuesday 22 July 2025
Term Ends: Friday 19 September 2025
Term 3 is often a highlight for both academics and sports. Students dive deeper into projects, inter-house competitions, and subject enrichment activities. As the weather warms toward spring, this is a great time for developing discipline and teamwork.
Term 4: Finishing the Year Strong
Staff and Students Commence: Monday 6 October 2025
Mid-Term Break: Monday 3 November 2025
Student Free Day: Tuesday 4 November 2025
Term Ends: Friday 5 December 2025
Staff Depart: Wednesday 10 December 2025
The final term of 2025 brings reflection, creativity, and celebration. Students return in early October and enjoy a mid-term break around the Melbourne Cup period. Classes wrap up on 5 December, marking the end of a successful school year, followed by staff departures on 10 December.
Geelong College Term Dates 2026
Term 1: A Confident Start
New Staff Day: Thursday 22 January 2026
New Teaching Staff Day: Friday 23 January 2026
Australia Day Holiday: Monday 26 January 2026
Staff Commence: Tuesday 27 January 2026
Students Commence: Friday 30 January 2026
Labour Day Holiday: Monday 9 March 2026
Term Ends: Thursday 2 April 2026
The 2026 school year begins with orientation and teacher training, ensuring a smooth start. Students commence on 30 January, full of fresh energy and enthusiasm.
Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April) arrive right after the term ends, creating a long Easter weekend perfect for rest and travel.
Term 2: Building Knowledge and Balance
Staff Commence: Monday 20 April 2026
Students Commence: Tuesday 21 April 2026
ANZAC Day Holiday: Saturday 25 April 2026
King’s Birthday Holiday: Monday 8 June 2026
Term Ends: Friday 26 June 2026
Term 2 focuses on academic development and mid-year assessments. The balance of classroom learning, co-curricular events, and reflective breaks helps maintain steady progress. By late June, students finish Term 2 ready for a relaxing winter holiday.
Term 3: Drive, Discovery, and Dedication
Staff Commence: Monday 20 July 2026
Students Commence: Tuesday 21 July 2026
Term Ends: Friday 18 September 2026
This is the term where effort truly counts. Senior students often complete key projects and exams, while younger students participate in sports carnivals and creative programs. The nine-week term flows steadily toward the spring holidays.
Term 4: Celebrations and New Horizons
Staff and Students Commence: Monday 5 October 2026
Mid-Term Break: Monday 2 November 2026
Student Free Day: Tuesday 3 November 2026
Term Ends: Friday 4 December 2026
Staff Depart: Wednesday 9 December 2026
The final term of 2026 rounds off another memorable school year. The Melbourne Cup break (2–3 November) gives students a small mid-term rest before final activities, exams, and ceremonies. By 4 December, classes officially end, and staff wrap up duties by 9 December.
Why The Geelong College Calendar Is Well-Designed
The College’s term structure reflects its focus on holistic education. Each year is carefully divided to ensure:
- Consistent learning time with healthy rest periods
- Alignment with Victorian public holidays for family convenience
- Even term lengths across the year for academic balance
This rhythm helps students thrive academically, mentally, and socially while giving families time to plan extracurricular and holiday commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When do students return to The Geelong College in 2025 and 2026?
Students start on 31 January 2025 and 30 January 2026 respectively.
2. When does the academic year end?
For 2025, classes end on 5 December, and for 2026, on 4 December.
3. Are there mid-term breaks in Term 4 each year?
Yes, in both years students get a mid-term break and student-free day in early November around the Melbourne Cup.
4. How long is the winter holiday break?
Usually about three to four weeks, between late June and mid-July.