South African School Term Dates & Holidays

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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).