In South Africa, the school year typically runs from January to December, divided into four terms, with breaks between them. Understanding the school terms and public holidays is essential for parents, students, and educators as they plan vacations, family gatherings, and school activities. Below is a detailed overview of the 2025 school terms and public holidays in South Africa.
School Terms for 2025
South African schools generally follow the Department of Basic Education’s calendar, which breaks the year into four terms. Each term is followed by a break of two weeks, except for the longer winter and summer holidays. The specific dates for the school terms in 2025 are as follows:
Term 1:
- Start: Wednesday, 15 January 2025
- End: Thursday, 20 March 2025
- Break: Friday, 21 March 2025 – Monday, 31 March 2025 (Autumn break)
Term 1 begins in mid-January, following the summer holidays, and runs for approximately 10 weeks. The term concludes just before the Easter weekend in late March.
Term 2:
- Start: Tuesday, 1 April 2025
- End: Friday, 20 June 2025
- Break: Saturday, 21 June 2025 – Sunday, 13 July 2025 (Winter break)
The second term begins right after the Easter break and spans into the winter months, lasting for about 12 weeks. The winter break provides a welcome rest for students and teachers after the completion of Term 2.
Term 3:
- Start: Monday, 14 July 2025
- End: Friday, 26 September 2025
- Break: Saturday, 27 September 2025 – Sunday, 5 October 2025 (Spring break)
Term 3 covers the last quarter of the winter season into the early spring. This term lasts for around 10 weeks, followed by the spring break.
Term 4:
- Start: Monday, 6 October 2025
- End: Friday, 5 December 2025
- Break: Saturday, 6 December 2025 onwards (Summer break)
The final term of the year begins in early October and runs through to early December. This term typically includes final exams for high school students, and students generally look forward to the extended summer holiday that follows.
Public Holidays in 2025
South Africa observes several public holidays throughout the year, and many of them coincide with school breaks. The following public holidays are celebrated in 2025:
January:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025
- Human Rights Day: Monday, 21 March 2025 (falls within Term 1)
April:
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025 (falls during Term 1)
- Family Day: Monday, 21 April 2025 (falls during Term 1)
- Freedom Day: Sunday, 27 April 2025 (observed on Monday, 28 April 2025)
May:
- Workers’ Day: Thursday, 1 May 2025
- Africa Day: Monday, 25 May 2025 (observed, but not a public holiday)
June:
- Youth Day: Tuesday, 16 June 2025 (falls during Term 2)
August:
- National Women’s Day: Saturday, 9 August 2025
September:
- Heritage Day: Wednesday, 24 September 2025 (falls during Term 3)
December:
- Day of Reconciliation: Tuesday, 16 December 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Day of Goodwill: Friday, 26 December 2025
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