The official 2026 school holiday calendar for South Africa has been released, setting out all key school closing and reopening dates for public and many private schools. These dates play an important role for parents, learners, teachers, and caregivers when planning family time, travel, and academic routines during the year. The 2026 academic year continues to follow the nationally adopted structured term system, offering predictability and consistency across provinces.
Academic Term Structure for 2026
Schools in South Africa operate on a four-term academic system that combines structured teaching periods with scheduled holidays between terms. This approach supports a balanced school year, allowing time for learning, rest, and participation in family, cultural, and national activities. The officially confirmed 2026 term dates outline when each term ends and begins, helping households plan well in advance.
Beginning of the Academic Year
The 2026 school year will start in early January, following the long summer break. Schools across all provinces will reopen to welcome learners into the first academic term. The opening weeks are generally focused on settling learners into routines and reinforcing foundational concepts before the term moves fully into regular teaching schedules.
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End of the First Term and March Holiday
After completing a full cycle of classroom instruction, the first term will conclude in late March. Once lessons end, learners will enter their first holiday break of the year. This period allows students to rest and recover before returning to school for the next stage of the academic programme.
Second Term and Mid-Year School Break
The second term begins shortly after the March holidays and continues through the earlier part of the year. Schools will then close again at the end of June for the mid-year holiday. This is one of the longest breaks in the school calendar and provides families with valuable time for travel, rest, and enrichment activities.
Third Term and September Holiday
The third term resumes after the mid-year break and runs through much of the second half of the year. At the end of September, schools will close for a short holiday period. This break offers learners a brief pause and helps them prepare mentally and academically for the final term.
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Final Term and Year-End Holidays
The fourth and final term starts after the September break and continues until the end of the school year. When this term finishes in early December, learners will move into the year-end summer holidays. This is the longest holiday period, covering the festive season and extending into the start of the next academic year.
Preparing in Advance for the 2026 School Year
Parents and learners are encouraged to mark all school dates early, arrange holidays, and organise childcare or transport plans ahead of time. Having access to the official school calendar makes it easier for families to align work schedules with school commitments and fully utilise each holiday period.
Summary of the 2026 School Holiday Calendar
The 2026 South African school holiday calendar clearly outlines when schools will close and reopen throughout the year. With structured breaks scheduled in March, June, September, and December, families can plan confidently and support a smooth and organised academic year. Staying aware of these dates helps ensure effective planning and greater peace of mind for both learners and parents.
