The official school calendar for 2026 has been announced by the South African Department of Basic Education, thus giving all the stakeholders involved—parents, students, and teachers—access to the term dates and periods of school holidays for the next year. The confirmation of these dates has also made it easier for families to plan their travels, child care, and study around.
When Classes Resume in 2026
The public schools all over the country will be reopened in the very middle of January 2026, right after the long summer break. The kids will be back in the schools and, more importantly, will be taking the first term that very crucial for the whole year’s academic progress. The first few weeks of the term are typically spent on student orientation, curriculum planning, and assessments.
First Term and First School Break
The first term is going to last from the very beginning of January to the end of March 2026. Then, students after almost eleven weeks of school will have their very first break which will be from the end of March and until the beginning of April. This holiday is, to a certain degree, coinciding with the Easter holidays, thus giving families longer time for relaxing.
Second Term and Winter Break
The second term opens in early April and concludes at the end of June 2026. This is less often than having the winter academic term, the longest, as it also covers public holidays of freedom and workers. The second term is over, and schools are closed for winter holidays when students get rest prior to the next term.
Term 3 and Spring Holiday
The month of July marks the start of Term 3 after the winter break, and it stretches over September 2026. Public holidays on this term are really few but still it is the time for assessments and academic consolidation. Moreover, right after the third term, students are treated with a short spring holiday during the time of late September as well as early October.
Final Term and Year-End Closure
October heralds the opening of the fourth term and the closing of early December 2026. The duration under consideration is very important for the students since it will determine their eligibility for the next class, as well as their whole school year activities. After the year-end closure in December, the learners will continue with the long summer holiday that lasts till January 2027 when the schools reopen.
Public and Private School Considerations
The public school calendar applies to all public schools but, on the other hand, the private and independent schools might have their term schedules quite close to the public schools. It is always better for parents to approach their kids’ schools and check the term dates themselves to eliminate any uncertainties.
Planning Ahead for Families
Knowing about the school breaks in 2026 allows the parents to plan their vacations together with the kids, prepare financial support for the child who will be attending, and even help the child academically during the year. The less planning done early, the more stressful it becomes and the children will have fewer opportunities for full enjoyment of both school and holidays.
Also Read: Official Petrol and Diesel Price Cuts Bring Relief to South Africa’s Motorists…
