When South African public schools break for the holidays full 2026 calendar

Public school students across South Africa are approaching the end of the third term of the 2026 academic year, with the official calendar setting out term dates and holiday periods through to the end of the year.

Key term and holiday dates

The third term began on 21 July 2026 and runs for 10 weeks. The calendar lists Wednesday, 23 September 2026 as the final day of the third term. The school holiday that follows is listed as 24 September to 5 October 2026.

The fourth and final term starts on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 and is scheduled to run for 10 weeks, ending on Wednesday, 9 December 2026. The end of the fourth term marks the conclusion of the 2026 public school academic year.

Full 2026 school calendar (public schools)

• First term: Schools start: 14 January 2026; Schools close: 27 March 2026; School holidays: 28 March to 7 April 2026.
• Second term: Schools start: 8 April 2026; Schools close: 26 June 2026; Public holidays during term: Freedom Day (27 April 2026), Workers’ Day (1 May 2026), Youth Day (16 June 2026); Special school holidays: 15 June 2026; School holidays: 27 June to 20 July 2026.
• Third term: School start: 21 July 2026; School closes: 23 September 2026; Public holidays during term: National Women’s Day (9 and 10 August 2026); School holidays: 24 September to 05 October 2026.
• Fourth term: School start: 06 October 2026; School closes: 09 December 2026; Public holidays noted after term: Day of Reconciliation (16 December 2026), Christmas Day (25 December 2026), Day of Goodwill (26 December 2026).

What this means for parents and learners

The official calendar gives families the dates they can use to plan end-of-term arrangements, the September break and the final term’s schedule. The fourth term’s finish date on 9 December 2026 marks the formal end of the public school year.