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.
South African School Calendar 2026
Term 1
- Start: Wednesday, 14 January 2026
- End: Friday, 27 March 2026
- Break: Saturday, 28 March – Monday, 6 April 2026 (Autumn break, 10 days)
Term 1 begins in mid-January following the summer holidays and runs for approximately 11 weeks. The term concludes at the end of March, with a short autumn break before the second term starts.
Term 2
- Start: Tuesday, 8 April 2026
- End: Friday, 26 June 2026
- Break: Saturday, 27 June – Sunday, 19 July 2026 (Winter break, 23 days)
The second term begins in early April, spanning the autumn into winter months and lasting around 12 weeks. Learners and teachers will then enjoy the winter holiday before resuming Term 3.
Term 3
- Start: Tuesday, 21 July 2026
- End: Wednesday, 23 September 2026
- Break: Thursday, 24 September – Sunday, 5 October 2026 (Spring break, 12 days)
Term 3 covers late winter into early spring, lasting about 10 weeks. This term includes National Women’s Day (observed on 10 August) and is followed by the spring break.
Term 4
- Start: Monday, 6 October 2026
- End: Wednesday, 9 December 2026 (or Friday, 11 December if extended)
- Break: Thursday, 10 December 2026 – Sunday, 11 January 2027 (Summer break, 33–35 days)
The final term begins in early October and runs through December, typically including year-end exams. It is followed by the long summer holiday leading into the next school year.
| Term | Start | End | Break | Break Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Wed, 14 Jan 2026 | Fri, 27 Mar 2026 | Sat, 28 Mar – Mon, 6 Apr 2026 | 10 days | ~11 weeks, ends before autumn break |
| Term 2 | Tue, 8 Apr 2026 | Fri, 26 Jun 2026 | Sat, 27 Jun – Sun, 19 Jul 2026 | 23 days | ~12 weeks, long winter break after |
| Term 3 | Tue, 21 Jul 2026 | Wed, 23 Sep 2026 | Thu, 24 Sep – Sun, 5 Oct 2026 | 12 days | ~10 weeks, includes National Women’s Day (10 Aug) |
| Term 4 | Mon, 6 Oct 2026 | Wed, 9 Dec 2026 (or Fri, 11 Dec) | Thu, 10 Dec 2026 – Sun, 11 Jan 2027 | 33–35 days | Final exams and year-end wrap-up |
Public and School Holidays 2026
| Public and School Holidays 2026 | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 01 January |
| Human Rights Day | 21 March |
| Good Friday | 03 April |
| Family Day | 06 April |
| Freedom Day | 27 April |
| Workers’ Day | 01 May |
| Special School Holiday | 15 June |
| Youth Day | 16 June |
| National Women’s Day | 09 August |
| Public Holiday | 10 August |
| Heritage Day | 24 September |
| Special School Holiday | 25 September |
| Day of Reconciliation | 16 December |
| Christmas Day | 25 December |
| Day of Goodwill | 26 December |
