The school calendar 2026 defines the official academic year structure for all public schools in South Africa. It specifies start and end dates, term lengths, school holidays, and public holidays that affect teaching and learning.
The Department of Basic Education published the school calendar on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, establishing term dates for all public schools across South Africa.
The 2026 academic year begins on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and concludes on Friday, December 11, 2026, for educators, with learners finishing on Wednesday, December 9, 2026.
The school calendar 2026 applies uniformly across all nine provinces, including Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, and Northern Cape.
This represents a significant change from previous years, when inland and coastal provinces followed different schedules. The 2026 calendar includes 200 actual teaching days distributed across four terms, with scheduled breaks and public holidays integrated throughout the academic year.
Parents, educators, and learners can use this calendar to plan family vacations, examination schedules, childcare arrangements, and leave from work.
The calendar accounts for all South African public holidays that fall within school terms, including Good Friday, Freedom Day, Workers’ Day, Youth Day, National Women’s Day, and Heritage Day.
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Table of Contents
Official 2026 School Calendar for South Africa
Public schools across South Africa follow a standardized four-term academic structure in 2026. Each term includes a specific number of weeks and instructional days calculated after public holidays are deducted.
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Complete 2026 Term Date Overview
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Duration (Weeks) | Calendar Days | Public Holidays | Actual School Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | Friday, March 27, 2026 | 11 | 53 | 0 | 53 |
| Term 2 | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | Friday, June 26, 2026 | 12 | 58 | 4 | 54 |
| Term 3 | Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 10 | 47 | 1 | 46 |
| Term 4 | Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | Wednesday, December 9, 2026 | 10 | 47 | 0 | 47 |
| Total | – | – | 43 | 205 | 5 | 200 |
Term 1: January to March 2026
Term 1 runs from Wednesday, January 14, 2026, to Friday, March 27, 2026. Schools open following the summer holiday period, with educators returning on Monday, January 12, 2026, for administrative preparation.
Term 1 provides 53 uninterrupted school days with no public holidays falling within this period. Schools use this term to establish academic routines, conduct baseline assessments, and introduce curriculum content for the year. The term spans 11 weeks, making it one of the longer instructional periods in the 2026 calendar.
Learners complete orientation activities, receive textbooks, and begin formal lessons during this term. Schools conduct placement verifications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners who were admitted through provincial online application systems.
Term 2: April to June 2026
Term 2 begins on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, and ends on Friday, June 26, 2026. This term includes multiple public holidays that reduce the number of teaching days.
Public holidays during Term 2 include:
- Friday, April 3, 2026: Good Friday
- Monday, April 6, 2026: Family Day
- Monday, April 27, 2026: Freedom Day
- Friday, May 1, 2026: Workers’ Day
- Monday, June 15, 2026: Special school holiday (gazetted by the Department of Basic Education)
- Tuesday, June 16, 2026: Youth Day
The special school holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026, creates an extended long weekend leading into Youth Day. This gazetted holiday is unique to the 2026 calendar and allows families additional time for mid-year planning.
After accounting for these holidays, Term 2 provides 54 actual teaching days across 12 calendar weeks. Schools conduct mid-year assessments and complete significant portions of the annual curriculum during this term.
Term 3: July to September 2026
Term 3 spans from Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to Wednesday, September 23, 2026. This winter term follows the mid-year break and focuses on curriculum completion ahead of final examinations.
One public holiday falls during Term 3:
- Sunday, August 9, 2026: National Women’s Day
- Monday, August 10, 2026: Public holiday observed
The term includes 46 actual teaching days over 10 weeks. Schools emphasize syllabus completion, revision activities, and examination preparation. Grade 12 learners focus intensively on National Senior Certificate examination readiness during this period.
Term 4: October to December 2026
Term 4 is the final academic term, running from Tuesday, October 6, 2026, to Wednesday, December 9, 2026, for learners. Educators continue until Thursday, December 11, 2026, to complete administrative year-end tasks.
No public holidays interrupt Term 4, providing 47 uninterrupted school days over 10 weeks. Heritage Day falls on Thursday, September 24, 2026, after Term 3 concludes.
Schools conduct final examinations, issue reports, and determine learner progression outcomes during this term. Grade 12 learners write National Senior Certificate examinations beginning in late October 2026.
School Calendar 2026: Provincial Considerations
Unified Calendar Across All Provinces
The 2026 school calendar applies to all nine provinces without regional variations. The Department of Basic Education eliminated the previous distinction between inland and coastal province calendars.
All provinces follow identical dates for:
- Term start and end dates
- School holiday periods
- Public holiday observances
- Total teaching days
Gauteng School Calendar 2026
Gauteng public schools follow the national calendar with terms beginning on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The Gauteng Department of Education aligns with the Department of Basic Education requirements for all ordinary public schools in the province.
Gauteng learners benefit from the extended June long weekend created by the special school holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026. The province includes major urban centers such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Ekurhuleni, where families can access detailed calendar information through the Gauteng Department of Education website.
Western Cape School Calendar 2026
Western Cape public schools commence the 2026 academic year on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The Western Cape Education Department implements the nationally gazetted calendar for all public schools under its jurisdiction.
The province maintains consistent term dates with other regions, ensuring families relocating between provinces experience no scheduling conflicts. Western Cape learners follow the same holiday schedule, including the winter break from Friday, June 27, 2026, to Monday, July 20, 2026.
Eastern Cape and Other Provincial Calendars
Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, and Northern Cape provinces all implement the standard 2026 calendar. Provincial education departments may schedule additional administrative days for educators, but learner attendance dates remain consistent nationwide.
Schools in rural areas follow identical term dates to urban institutions. Provincial departments communicate directly with schools regarding any localized arrangements for sports events, cultural activities, or professional development days that do not affect the official term schedule.
South Africa Public Holidays and School Holidays 2026
Complete Public Holiday Schedule
South Africa observes 12 national public holidays in 2026, with several falling during school terms. Schools close on all public holidays in accordance with national labor regulations and education policy.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Public Holiday |
| Saturday, March 21, 2026 | Saturday | Human Rights Day | Public Holiday |
| Friday, April 3, 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | Public Holiday |
| Monday, April 6, 2026 | Monday | Family Day | Public Holiday |
| Monday, April 27, 2026 | Monday | Freedom Day | Public Holiday (observed Monday, April 28) |
| Friday, May 1, 2026 | Friday | Workers’ Day | Public Holiday |
| Monday, June 15, 2026 | Monday | Special School Holiday | School Holiday (gazetted) |
| Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | Tuesday | Youth Day | Public Holiday |
| Sunday, August 9, 2026 | Sunday | National Women’s Day | Public Holiday (observed Monday, August 10) |
| Thursday, September 24, 2026 | Thursday | Heritage Day | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday, December 16, 2026 | Wednesday | Day of Reconciliation | Public Holiday |
| Friday, December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
| Saturday, December 26, 2026 | Saturday | Day of Goodwill | Public Holiday |
School Holiday Periods in 2026
Four scheduled school holiday periods provide breaks between academic terms. These holidays allow learners rest time while enabling schools to conduct administrative activities and facility maintenance.
Autumn Holiday: Saturday, March 28, 2026, to Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (11 days)
Winter Holiday: Saturday, June 27, 2026, to Monday, July 20, 2026 (24 days)
Spring Holiday: Thursday, September 24, 2026, to Monday, October 5, 2026 (12 days)
Summer Holiday: Thursday, December 10, 2026, to Monday, January 11, 2027 (33 days)
The winter holiday represents the longest break during the academic year, providing families with the opportunity for extended travel and rest. The special school holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026, extends the Youth Day weekend, creating additional planning flexibility for families.
Private and Independent School Calendars 2026
ISASA School Calendar Guidelines
Private schools affiliated with the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) begin the 2026 academic year on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Independent schools conclude on Friday, December 4, 2026, five days earlier than public schools.
ISASA member schools operate under different term structures:
Four-term private schools: Follow a system similar to public schools with 183 school days in 2026, one fewer than the 184 days in 2025.
Three-term private schools: Operate 180 school days in 2026, three fewer than four-term independent schools.
Private School Calendar Variations
No universal term dates apply to all independent schools in South Africa. Private institutions follow one of three calendar approaches:
- Public school alignment: Many independent schools adopt the Department of Basic Education calendar exactly
- Association calendar: ISASA member schools may follow Central Region guidelines published by the calendar committee
- Institution-specific calendar: Some independent schools create customized academic schedules
The ISASA Central Region (covering Gauteng, Free State, North West, and Northern Cape) publishes calendar guidelines for member schools. Schools in this region are not required to follow these guidelines, though most do.
Private schools in KwaZulu-Natal often implement four-term systems similar to public schools. Parents should confirm specific term dates directly with their child’s school, as variations exist between institutions.
School Calendar 2026: Planning Applications
Family Holiday Planning
The 2026 school calendar enables families to coordinate vacations with term breaks and public holidays. Strategic planning around long weekends maximizes time away while minimizing work leave requirements.
Long weekend opportunities in 2026 include:
- April 3-6, 2026: Good Friday to Family Day (4-day weekend)
- June 14-16, 2026: Special school holiday extending Youth Day (4-day weekend with Friday leave)
- August 9-10, 2026: National Women’s Day observed on Monday (3-day weekend)
- September 24-27, 2026: Heritage Day through spring holiday (extended break)
Families booking accommodation for school holidays should note peak demand during the 24-day winter holiday from late June to mid-July 2026. Coastal destinations experience the highest occupancy during this period.
Examination and Assessment Scheduling
Schools structure continuous assessment and examinations according to term schedules. Grade 12 learners prepare for National Senior Certificate examinations during Term 4.
Assessment timelines typically follow this structure:
- Term 1: Baseline assessments, diagnostic testing, first formal assessments
- Term 2: Mid-year examinations (May-June 2026)
- Term 3: Continuous assessments, trial examinations for Grade 12
- Term 4: Final examinations, National Senior Certificate examinations
Parents receive formal reports at the end of each term. Schools communicate assessment schedules at the beginning of each term, allowing families to plan appropriate study support.
Employer Leave Coordination
Working parents use the school calendar to request annual leave in advance. Coordinating leave with school holidays prevents childcare gaps and enables family time.
Employers in South Africa typically receive high leave requests during:
- June-July 2026: Winter school holiday period
- December 2026: Summer holiday season
- Long weekends: When families extend breaks with minimal leave days
Parents should submit leave applications early in 2026 to secure preferred dates, particularly for the winter holiday period when demand peaks across industries.
How to Access the Official School Calendar 2026
Department of Basic Education Resources
The Department of Basic Education published the official 2026 school calendar through Government Gazette No. 51289. Parents and educators access authoritative calendar information through the Department of Basic Education website at education.gov.za.
The official calendar includes:
- Complete term dates for all four terms
- Public holidays with dates and observance information
- Special school holidays gazetted by the Department
- Administrative guidelines for educators
Provincial Education Department Resources
Provincial education departments provide regional calendar information and school-specific guidance. Each of South Africa’s nine provinces maintains an education department website with calendar resources.
Provincial websites include:
- Gauteng Department of Education (gde.gov.za)
- Western Cape Education Department (wced.school.za)
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (kzneducation.gov.za)
- Eastern Cape Department of Education (ecdoe.gov.za)
Provincial sites offer additional resources such as school location tools, admission information, and curriculum support materials aligned with term schedules.
Verification of Calendar Information
Parents should verify calendar information through official sources only. Unofficial calendars circulate on social media platforms and may contain incorrect dates.
Reliable sources for calendar verification include:
- Department of Basic Education official publications
- Provincial education department announcements
- School principals and administrative offices
- Government Gazette publications
Schools distribute printed calendars to learners at the start of the academic year. Parents who lose this information should contact the school administrative offices directly rather than relying on unverified online sources.
School Calendar 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
When do South African schools open in 2026?
Public schools open for learners on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Educators return on Monday, January 12, 2026, for administrative preparation. Private and independent schools may start on different dates depending on institutional calendars.
When do schools close for holidays in 2026?
Schools close at the end of each term: Friday, March 27, 2026 (Term 1), Friday, June 26, 2026 (Term 2), Wednesday, September 23, 2026 (Term 3), and Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Term 4). Each closure is followed by a scheduled holiday period before the next term begins.
How many school days are in 2026?
The 2026 academic year contains 200 actual teaching days across four terms. This meets the minimum requirement established by the national education policy after accounting for public holidays and scheduled breaks.
What is the special school holiday on June 15, 2026?
Monday, June 15, 2026, is a gazetted special school holiday unique to 2026. The Department of Basic Education implemented this additional holiday to create an extended weekend leading into Youth Day on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Are school term dates the same in all provinces?
Yes, all nine South African provinces follow identical term dates in 2026. The Department of Basic Education unified the calendar, eliminating previous distinctions between inland and coastal province schedules.
When are Grade 12 examinations in 2026?
National Senior Certificate examinations for Grade 12 learners begin in late October 2026 and continue through November 2026. Specific examination timetables are published by the Department of Basic Education and Umalusi closer to the examination period.
Do private schools follow the same calendar?
Private schools may follow different calendars from public schools. While many independent schools align with the Department of Basic Education calendar, ISASA member schools and other private institutions may implement customized schedules with different start dates, term lengths, and holiday periods.
Can schools change term dates?
Individual schools cannot change official term dates published by the Department of Basic Education. Only the national Department has the authority to modify the school calendar through Government Gazette amendments.
Planning for the 2026 Academic Year
The school calendar 2026 provides a comprehensive framework for academic planning across South Africa. Parents, educators, and learners benefit from advanced knowledge of term dates, enabling effective scheduling of educational activities, family commitments, and personal development.
The unified calendar system implemented in 2026 eliminates regional scheduling conflicts and simplifies planning for families with children in different provinces. The inclusion of a special school holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026 demonstrates responsiveness to family needs for extended break opportunities.
Schools use the calendar structure to pace curriculum delivery, schedule assessments, and plan professional development activities for educators. The distribution of 200 teaching days across four terms balances instructional time with necessary rest periods for learners.
Parents should maintain copies of the official calendar throughout the year for reference when planning family activities, coordinating childcare, and supporting academic schedules. Schools provide calendar information at the start of the year and through regular communication channels.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the Department of Basic Education website and provincial education department resources. Official sources ensure families access verified calendar information for successful academic year planning.
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