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 | School Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Wed 21 Jan 2026 | Fri 27 Mar 2026 | 48 |
| Term 2 | Tue 7 Apr 2026 | Fri 26 Jun 2026 | 56 |
| Term 3 | Mon 20 Jul 2026 | Fri 2 Oct 2026 | 55 |
| Term 4 | Mon 12 Oct 2026 | Fri 11 Dec 2026* | 43 |
*Schools close on Wed 9 Dec for learners and Fri 11 Dec for teachers.
Independent Schools (Typical 3-Term Guide)
| Term | Starts | Half-Term | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Wed 14 Jan 2026 | 20 Feb - 2 Mar | Wed 1 Apr 2026 |
| Term 2 | Tue 28 Apr 2026 | 26 Jun - 20 Jul | Fri 28 Aug 2026 |
| Term 3 | Mon 21 Sep 2026 | 23 Oct - 2 Nov | Wed 9 Dec 2026 |
Key Public Holidays 2026
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 is a holiday), Heritage Day (24 Sept), Day of Reconciliation (16 Dec).
2025 Academic Year
Public Schools (All Provinces)
| Term | Starts | Ends | School Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Wed 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).
