South African School Term Dates & Holidays
Important Note
The **Public School** calendar is determined nationally by the Department of Basic Education for all nine provinces. The **Independent/Private School** dates are a general guide only. You **must** confirm the official dates with your child's specific school as they can vary significantly.
2026 Academic Year
Public Schools (All Provinces)
| Term | Starts | Ends | No. of Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | (12) 14 Jan 2026 | Fri 27 Mar 2026 | 11 |
| Term 2 | Wed 8 Apr 2026 | Fri 26 Jun 2026 | 12 |
| Term 3 | Tue 21 Jul 2026 | Wed 23 Sep 2026 | 10 |
| Term 4 | Tue 6 Oct 2026 | Wed 9 Dec 2026* | 10 |
*Schools close on Wed 9 Dec for learners and Fri 11 Dec for teachers.
Independent Schools (ISASA 3-Term Guide)
| Term | Starts | Half-Term | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Wed 14 Jan 2026 | 19 Feb - 24 Feb | Fri 10 Apr 2026 |
| Term 2 | Wed 6 May 2026 | 26 Jun - 6 Jul | Fri 7 Aug 2026 |
| Term 3 | Wed 9 Sep 2026 | 22 Oct - 27 Oct | Fri 4 Dec 2026 |
Dates are for the Central Region 3-Term Calendar. Coastal schools may vary slightly.
Key Public Holidays 2026
Human Rights Day (21 Mar), Good Friday (3 Apr), Family Day (6 Apr), Freedom Day (27 Apr), Workers' Day (1 May), Youth Day (16 Jun), National Women's Day (Sun 9 Aug, Mon 10 Aug holiday), Heritage Day (24 Sept), Day of Reconciliation (16 Dec).
2025 Academic Year
Public Schools (All Provinces)
| Term | Starts | Ends | School Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | (13) 15 Jan 2025 | Fri 28 Mar 2025 | 53 |
| Term 2 | Tue 8 Apr 2025 | Fri 27 Jun 2025 | 56 |
| Term 3 | Tue 22 Jul 2025 | Fri 3 Oct 2025 | 54 |
| Term 4 | Mon 13 Oct 2025 | Wed 10 Dec 2025* | 42 |
*Schools close on Wed 10 Dec for learners and Fri 12 Dec for teachers.
Independent Schools (Typical 3-Term Guide)
| Term | Starts | Half-Term | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Wed 15 Jan 2025 | 21 Feb - 3 Mar | Wed 16 Apr 2025 |
| Term 2 | Mon 5 May 2025 | 27 Jun - 21 Jul | Fri 29 Aug 2025 |
| Term 3 | Mon 22 Sep 2025 | 24 Oct - 3 Nov | Wed 10 Dec 2025 |
Key Public Holidays 2025
Human Rights Day (21 Mar), Good Friday (18 Apr), Family Day (21 Apr), Freedom Day (Sun 27 Apr, Mon 28 Apr is a holiday), Workers' Day (1 May), Youth Day (16 Jun), National Women's Day (Sat 9 Aug), Heritage Day (24 Sept), Day of Reconciliation (16 Dec).
