Everything you need to know about the 2026 South African school calendar
The Christmas decorations have gone down, and the shops are decked with back-to-school advertorials, a clear indication that the reopening of schools is imminent.
The Department of Basic Education has published the 2026 school calendar and schools in both coastal and inland regions will start at the same time. This began in 2024 and will continue in 2026.
The 2026 school year has four terms and 200 school days, plus 28 school holidays and five public holidays. A special school holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026, has been created, preceding the Youth Day public holiday on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Term 1:
Duration: (12) January 14- March 27
Number of weeks: 11
Number of days: 53 (55)
Number of public holidays: 0
Actual number of school days: 53 (55)
Term 2:
Duration: April 8 – June 26
Number of weeks: 12
Number of days: 58
Number of public holidays: 3+1
– Easter: 3 Apr Good Friday and 6 Apr Family Day
– Freedom Day: Apr
– Workers’ Day: May 1
– Special school holiday: Jun 15
– Youth Day: Jun 16
Actual number of school days: 54
Term 3:
Duration: July 21 – Sept 23
Number of weeks: 10
Number of days: 47
Number of public holidays: 1
– National Women’s Day: Aug 9 (observed on Aug 10)
Actual number of school days: 46
Term 4:
Duration: October 6– December 11
Number of weeks: 10
Number of days: 47 (49)
Number of public holidays: 0
Actual number of school days: 47 (49)
IOL