SA School Terms 2025
The public school calendar 2025 in South Africa is now available. The calendar contains critical dates for schools, holidays, terms, provinces and administrative periods. This guide will assist parents, educators, and learners in planning for the year ahead effectively using SA School Terms 2025 guide.
However, the striking feature of the 2025 School Calendar is that it does not have separate schedules for inland and coastal provinces. This unified approach simplifies planning for national events and coordination across provinces but may require some adjustment from schools and families who are used to staggered term dates.
Important Dates: Sa School Terms 2025
- School Terms Start:
- Term 1: 15 January – 28 March
- Term 2: 8 April – 27 June
- Term 3: 22 July – 3 October
- Term 4: 13 October – 12 December
- School Days:
- Overall: 199 to 203 actual school days
- Special holidays: 3 additional days
Term 1
Term 1 (15 January – 28 March 2025): The first term of the 2025 academic year runs for 11 weeks, starting on 15 January and ending on 28 March. It includes 53 school days (or 55 with administration days) and one public holiday-Human Rights Day on 21 March. This term sets the foundation for the year, allowing learners and educators to establish routines and focus on core academic goals before the first school break.
Term 2
Term 2 (8 April – 27 June 2025): The second term of the academic year spans 12 weeks, running from 8 April to 27 June. It includes 59 school days, with a mix of five public holidays and three special school holidays, such as Freedom Day (27 April) and Workers’ Day (1 May). This term is the longest of the year, offering a significant opportunity for academic progress and preparation for mid-year assessments before the winter break.
Term 3
Term 3 (22 July – 3 October 2025): The third term runs for 11 weeks, from 22 July to 3 October, with a total of 54 school days. It includes one public holiday, National Women’s Day on 9 August. This term is critical for reinforcing key concepts covered earlier in the year and maintaining academic momentum ahead of the final term. The term concludes just before the spring holidays, allowing learners and educators to recharge.
Term 4
Term 4 (13 October – 12 December 2025): The final term of the academic year spans nine weeks, from 13 October to 12 December, with 43 to 45 school days. With no public holidays, this term is focused entirely on concluding the year’s curriculum, final assessments, and preparations for the next academic year. It marks the culmination of the year’s efforts, with learners and educators striving to achieve their academic goals before the December holidays.
Public and School Holidays
- Public Holidays:
- New Year’s Day: 1 January
- Human Rights Day: 21 March
- Freedom Day: 27 April
- Workers’ Day: 1 May
- Youth Day: 16 June
- National Women’s Day: 9 August
- Heritage Day: 24 September
- Day of Reconciliation: 16 December
- Christmas Day: 25 December
- Day of Goodwill: 26 December
- Other School Holidays:
- 29–30 April, 2 May: Extra school holidays
Download School Calendar 2025 South Africa
Download School Calendar 2025 South Africa PDF
Plan Ahead
- Travel Arrangements: With holidays clearly outlined, families can plan vacations and travels without disrupting learners’ studies.
- Exam Preparation: Knowing term durations allows learners to structure their study schedules effectively.
- Administrative Days: Schools will have specific days for administrative purposes. Ensure these are noted to avoid last-minute surprises.
Calendar Highlights
The calendar is calculated to adequately balance school days, public holidays, and administrative time within the school year. This secures adequate time for rest for both learners and educators at different parts of the year.
Your Essential Guide to the 2026 South African School Calendar: Preparing for Holidays, Breaks, and More
As a parent gearing up for the 2026 school year, having a clear picture of the school calendar is crucial. It helps with planning family vacations, managing daily routines, budgeting for seasonal sales, and even organising extra lessons or activities for the children. Here’s a handy rundown of the 2026 South African public school calendar to help you get everything organised.
School Terms and Breaks: What to Expect
The school year is divided into four terms totalling approximately 43 weeks of schooling:
Term 1: 14 January to 27 March (11 weeks, 53 school days)
Term 2: 8 April to 26 June (12 weeks, 54 school days after public holidays)
Term 3: 21 July to 23 September (10 weeks, 46 school days)
Term 4: 6 October to 9 December (10 weeks, 47 school days)
This schedule gives us a total of about 200 official school days for students, which means roughly 65 days off spread across the year in weekends, public holidays, and school holidays.
Important Public Holidays and Special Days
Knowing the public holidays means you can plan family time or expect some disruptions in your routine:
New Year’s Day: 1 January
Human Rights Day: 21 March
Good Friday: 3 April
Family Day: 6 April
Freedom Day: 27 April
Workers’ Day: 1 May
Youth Day: 16 June (with a special school holiday on 15 June)
National Women’s Day: 9 August (plus an extra public holiday on 10 August)
Heritage Day: 24 September
Day of Reconciliation: 16 December
Christmas Day: 25 December
Day of Goodwill: 26 December
Make sure to mark these on your calendar – schools will be closed on these days, giving you perfect opportunities for family outings or rest.
School Holidays: Plan Your Family Time and Seasonal Shopping
The school breaks in 2026 are as follows:
End of Term 1 to Start of Term 2: 28 March to 7 April (just under 2 weeks)
Mid-year Holidays (after Term 2): 27 June to 20 July (about 3 weeks)
End of Term 3 to Start of Term 4: 24 September to 5 October (about 2 weeks)
End of Term 4 to Start of 2027: 10 December onwards
These breaks are ideal for family holidays or catching up on rest. Also, many retailers roll out their seasonal sales during these school holidays, so it’s a great time to shop for school supplies, clothing, or gifts.
Extra Notes for Parents
Youth Day Special School Holiday (15 June): Although Youth Day falls on 16 June, schools will also be closed on the 15th. This creates a long weekend perfect for family activities or a short trip.
Public Holiday on 10 August: This additional holiday following Women’s Day offers an extended weekend, great for planning a mini-break or family catch-up.
School Closing and Opening Times: The term start and end dates allow for smooth transitions. Be aware that the first term starts mid-January, earlier than some holidays, so start getting your kids ready by early January.
Tips for a Smooth 2026 School Year
Budget Early: Use the information about term dates and holidays to plan your budget for school uniforms, books, and trips.
Plan Holidays Wisely: Booking trips during official school holidays prevents missed school days.
Look Out for Sales: Retailers offer discounts aligned with school breaks-stock up then for the best deals.
Communicate with Your Child: Discuss the breaks and special days in the calendar to help them anticipate their routines.
Stay Updated: Always check your child’s specific school communications for any slight variations or special events during the year.
By keeping this calendar at your fingertips, you can organise your home, work, and family life better, making 2026 a year of smooth schooling and memorable family moments. Planning ahead always reduces stress – and allows you to enjoy every part of the school year, from the first bell to the last day of term!