When kids return: South Africa’s 2026 school term dates

The Department of Basic Education’s 2026 school calendar sets out when pupils return to class and the dates parents need to note for the remainder of the year.

Term dates at a glance

Second term closed on 26 June 2026, after which public school pupils had a winter holiday that ran from 27 June to 20 July 2026.

Third term begins on 21 July 2026 and ends on 23 September 2026. The term spans 10 weeks and includes 47 calendar school days, with one public holiday reducing the actual number of school days to 46.

Fourth term starts on 6 October 2026 and the academic year ends on 9 December 2026.

Public holidays and special notes

• The calendar lists the following public holidays during the year: Freedom Day (27 April 2026), Workers’ Day (1 May 2026), and Youth Day (16 June 2026) during Term 2.
• The third term notes National Women’s Day (9 and 10 August 2026) as public holidays.
• The calendar indicates Heritage Day on 24 September falls immediately after schools close for Term 3.
• For the end of year period, the calendar lists Day of Reconciliation (16 December 2026), Christmas Day (25 December 2026) and Day of Goodwill (26 December 2026).

Full 2026 calendar summary

• First term: Schools start 14 January 2026; schools close 27 March 2026. Holidays 28 March to 7 April 2026.
• Second term: Schools start 8 April 2026; schools close 26 June 2026. Special school holiday noted on 15 June 2026.
• Third term: Schools start 21 July 2026; schools close 23 September 2026. School holidays 24 September to 5 October 2026.
• Fourth term: Schools start 6 October 2026; schools close 9 December 2026.

What parents should note

Parents and caregivers can use these dates to plan the remainder of the school year and upcoming holidays. The Department of Basic Education calendar provides the official term and holiday dates referenced here.