When schools reopen: September holidays and term four dates for 2026

Public schools in South Africa close for their third-term break on Wednesday 23 September 2026. Learners will return for the fourth and final term after a spring break that includes Heritage Day on 24 September.

Term four schedule

Term four runs from Tuesday, 6 October to Wednesday, 9 December 2026. The term spans 10 weeks and 47 school days. Teachers complete their administrative duties on 11 December 2026.

No public holidays in term four

The Department of Basic Education calendar shows that term four has zero scheduled public holidays, meaning learners face an uninterrupted run through to the December break.

What this means for families and schools

The uninterrupted term is typically the busiest period of the academic year, carrying final exams and end-of-year activities. The source advises parents to mark exam and assessment dates early because term four often carries the heaviest exam load.

Independent and private school calendars

Independent schools do not always follow the Department of Basic Education calendar. The Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) generally aligns opening dates with the public calendar but some independent schools run fewer total teaching days and may conclude the academic year earlier, typically around early December.

Some private schools particularly in KwaZulu-Natal follow a four-term system similar to government schools, while others operate on a three-term structure with roughly 180 school days. Parents with children at independent or private schools are advised to confirm exact reopening and closing dates directly with their school.

Practical tips

• Note the spring break beginning after 23 September and the public holiday on 24 September.
• Prepare for an uninterrupted term from 6 October to 9 December and schedule study and extracurricular commitments accordingly.
• Check with independent or private schools for any different term dates.

Source: TheSouthAfrican.com, published 14 September 2026.