The Scots College Term Dates: Essential 2026 And 2027 Academic Calendars For Parents And Boarders
With the second half of the 2026 academic year well underway, families at The Scots College are actively planning for upcoming holiday periods and the transition into the 2027 school year. Staying ahead of the scots college term dates is critical for securing travel bookings, coordinating boarding house arrivals, and aligning with Great Public Schools (GPS) sporting fixtures. Below is the definitive schedule for the remainder of 2026 and the fully projected calendar for 2027.
| Term / Period | Start Date (Students) | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Term 3 | Tuesday 21 July 2026 | Friday 18 September 2026 |
| 2026 Term 4 | Tuesday 13 October 2026 | Thursday 3 December 2026 |
| 2027 Term 1 | Thursday 28 January 2027 | Thursday 8 April 2027 |
| 2027 Term 2 | Tuesday 27 April 2027 | Friday 25 June 2027 |
| 2027 Term 3 | Tuesday 20 July 2027 | Friday 17 September 2027 |
| 2027 Term 4 | Tuesday 12 October 2027 | Thursday 2 December 2027 |
Boarding House Operations and Academic Transitions
For boarding families, term dates dictate complex travel logistics that require advanced planning. Typically, boarding houses open at 2:00pm on the day prior to classes resuming for the term. This window allows students from regional NSW, interstate, and overseas to settle back into their routine before academic instruction begins.
Key operational details to note:
- Staff Professional Development: Teachers and administrative staff return one to two days before students. Campus offices are open during these pupil-free days to handle registration queries.
- Prep School vs. Senior School: While core term dates align, certain orientation events for new students—particularly in transition years like Kindergarten, Year 5, and Year 7—may occur on the Monday prior to the official start of Term 1.
- Exeat Weekends: Regular weekend leave schedules apply throughout the term, but long weekends require early sign-outs through the school's online boarding portal.
How to Align Holidays with GPS Sports and Co-Curricular Commitments
The Scots College places a heavy emphasis on its co-curricular program. Because the school is a prominent member of the Athletic Association of the Great Public Schools (AAGPS), sports trials and training camps frequently encroach on holiday periods.
- Summer Sports Preparation: Term 1 and Term 4 are dominated by summer sports. Cricket, rowing, and athletics camps often schedule mandatory training in the final week of the summer holidays in late January.
- Winter Sports Intensive: Winter sports trials (rugby and football) often occupy the final week of the autumn holidays in April.
- The Glengarry Factor: For Year 9 parents, the outdoor education program at the Glengarry campus operates on a highly specific intake schedule. Intake dates generally align with standard term dates, but separate transport schedules apply for the trek to and from the Kangaroo Valley site.
Scotch College Vic Term Dates at Mackenzie Mathy blog
Strategic Planning: Key Holiday Windows for 2027
As families prepare for the upcoming year, early flight and accommodation bookings can significantly reduce seasonal travel costs. The three-week winter holiday between Term 2 and Term 3 remains a vital window for family holidays and student recovery.
Keep these strategic points in mind when reviewing the 2027 calendar:
- Easter Congruence: Easter in 2027 falls in late March. Term 1 will conclude just before the Easter long weekend, allowing for an uninterrupted transition into the autumn break.
- Anzac Day Clash: Term 2 is scheduled to begin immediately following the Anzac Day public holiday, maximizing the efficiency of the autumn holiday break.
- Confirming Dates: Always verify any last-minute amendments via the The Scots Compass portal before making non-refundable travel bookings, as minor schedule tweaks may occur.
