2026 School Calendar South Africa – Complete Guide To Public & Private School Term Dates, Holidays & Schedules

Planning your family’s year ahead? The 2026 school calendar for South Africa has been officially released by both theDepartment of Basic Education (DBE) for public schools and the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) for private schools.

This comprehensive guide provides all the essential dates, term schedules and holiday information you need for effective planning throughout 2026.

Whether your child attends a government school, private school or independent institution in Gauteng, KZN or any province across South Africa, this guide covers everything you need to know about when schools open, close and reopen in 2026.

Understanding South Africa’s School Calendar Systems

South Africa operates two distinct school calendar frameworks.

Department Of Basic Education Calendar – Public Schools

Mandatory for all government schools across 9 provinces (Gauteng, KwaZulu – Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Nortern Cape And Free State), published by the Minister of Basic Education under the National Education Policy Act, 1996.

Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) – Private Schools

Guideline calendar for Independent Schools Association member schools in the Central Region. Individual private schools maintain flexibility to adjust dates according to institutional requirements.

This dual-system approach means parents must verify which calendar applies to their child’s specific school.

2026 Public School Calendar South Africa (DBE)

The Department of Basic Education has officially published the 2026 calendar for government schools nationwide. Through Government Gazette No. 52177, Dated 25 February 2025. Minister Siviwe Gwarube – MP, authorized this calendar on 12 February 2025 following consultations with the Council of Education Ministers.

Public School Term Calendar 2026

Term 1

Opening Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 (Educators return: 12 January)

Closing Date: Friday, 27 March 2026

Duration: 11 weeks

School Days: 53-55 days

Public Holidays During Term: None

Term 2

Opening Date: Tuesday, 8 April 2026

Closing Date: Friday, 26 June 2026

Duration: 12 weeks

Total Days: 58 days

School Days: 54 days (after holiday deductions)

Public Holidays During Term: 3 regular holidays + 1 special school holiday

Public Holidays Affecting This Term

27 April (Freedom Day).
1 May (Workers’ Day).
15 June (Special School Holiday – designated by DBE).
16 June (Youth Day).

Term 3

Opening Date: Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 September 2026

Duration: 10 weeks

Total Days: 47 days

School Days: 46 days

Public Holidays During Term: 2 holidays

Public Holidays Affecting This Term

9 August (National Women’s Day).
10 August (Public Holiday).

Term 4

Opening Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026

Closing Date: Wednesday, 9 December 2026 (Alternative: 11 December)

Duration: 10 weeks

School Days: 47-49 days

Public Holidays During Term: None

Public School Calendar 2026 Summary

Term	Duration	No. Of Weeks	No. Of Days	No. Of Public Holidays	Actual No. Of School Days
1	(12) 14 January – 27 March	11	53 (55)	0	53 (55)
2	08 April – 26 June	12	58	3+1 = 4	54
3	21 July – 23 September	10	47	1	46
4	06 October – 09 (11) December	10	47 (49)	0	47 (49)
Total		43	205 (209)	4+1=5	200 (204)

Total Academic Days: 200-204 teaching days across 205-209 calendar days.

2026 Calendar South Africa With Public Holidays

2026 School Calendar South Africa PrintableDownload

2026 Private School Calendar South Africa (ISASA)

The Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA/SAHISA) has released guideline calendars for the Central Region, updated in November 2024.

Private schools have flexibility in adopting these dates and many institutions customize their calendars for specific institutional needs.

ISASA 4-Term Calendar 2026

Term 1

Opening Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026

Closing Date: Friday, 27 March 2026

School Days: 53 days

Term 2

Opening Date: Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Closing Date: Friday, 26 June 2026

School Days: 47 days

Mid-Term Break

28-30 April (3-Day Mid-Term Break)

Public Holidays

Monday, 27 April (Freedom Day)
Friday, 1 May (Workers’ Day)
Monday, 15 June (School Holiday)
Tuesday, 16 June (Youth Day)

Term 3

Opening Date: Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 September 2026

School Days: 46 days

Public Holidays

Sunday, 9 August (Women’s Day)
Monday, 10 August (Women’s Day observed)

Term 4

Opening Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026

Closing Date: Wednesday, 2 December 2026

School Days: 37 days

Total Academic Year: 183 Days Plus 10 Saturdays

ISASA 3-Term Calendar 2026

Some private schools operate on a three-term system with half-term breaks.

Term 1

Opening Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026

Closing Date: Friday, 10 April 2026

School Days: 59 days

Half-Term Break

Close: Thursday, 19 February at 12:00
Return: Tuesday, 24 February

Public Holidays

Saturday, 21 March (Human Rights Day)
Friday, 3 April – Monday, 6 April (Easter weekend)

Term 2

Opening Date: Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Closing Date: Friday, 7 August 2026

School Days: 62 days

Half-Term Break

Close: Friday, 26 June
Return: Monday, 6 July

Public Holidays

Monday, 15 June (Optional School Holiday)
Tuesday, 16 June (Youth Day)

Term 3

Opening Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026

Closing Date: Friday, 4 December 2026

School Days: 59 days

Half-Term Break

Close: Thursday, 22 October at 12:00
Return: Tuesday, 27 October

Public Holidays

Thursday, 24 September (Heritage Day)
Friday, 25 September (Optional Holiday)

Total Academic Year: 180 Days Plus 10 Saturdays

2026 Private School Calendar South AfricaDownload

Important Note: This calendar is only a guideline. Central Region member schools are not required to follow these dates and individual schools may vary their calendars to cater for specific requirements.

Public VS Private School Calendars 2026 – Key Differences

Aspect	Public Schools (DBE)	Private Schools (ISASA)
Term Structure	4 Terms (Mandatory)	4-Term Or 3-Term Options
Total Days	200-204 Teaching Days	180-183 Days + Saturdays
Term 1 Start	14 January (Fixed)	14 January (Guideline)
Mid-Term Breaks	None	Optional (Especially 3-Term)
Flexibility	No Variations Allowed	Schools May Customize
Saturday Classes	Not Included	10 Saturdays Included
Year-End Close	9 December	2 December (4-Term) Or 4 December (3-Term)

2026 Calendar South Africa With Public Holidays

All schools – both – public schools related to Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the private schools related to Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA), observe South Africa’s national public holidays. Here’s the complete public holidays list for 2026.

S.N.	Day	Date	Remarks
1	Thursday	1 January	New Year’s Day
2	Saturday	21 March	Human Rights Day
3	Friday	3 April	Good Friday
4	Monday	6 April	Family Day
5	Monday	27 April	Freedom Day
6	Friday	1 May	Workers Day
7	Tuesday	16 June	Youth Day
8	Sunday	9 August	National Women’s Day
9	Monday	10 August	Public Holiday (Women’s Day Observed)
10	Thursday	24 September	Heritage Day
11	Wednesday	16 December	Day Of Reconciliation
12	Friday	25 December	Christmas Day
13	Saturday	26 December	Day Of Goodwill

Special School Holiday 2026

Monday, 15 June 2026 has been designated as a special school holiday by the Department of Basic Education. This creates an extended weekend before Youth Day (Tuesday, 16 June 2026), allowing family’s additional time together.

The DBE collaborates with stakeholders including the Department of Transport, religious groups, NGOs and private sector representatives to determine special school holidays when appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When do schools open in 2026 South Africa?

Schools open on Wednesday, 14 January 2026 for all learners across South Africa. This applies to both public schools and most private schools.
Educators at government schools return two days earlier on Monday, 12 January 2026 for preparation activities.

When are schools reopening after holidays in 2026?

Public schools reopen. After autumn break: Tuesday, 8 April 2026, After winter holidays: Tuesday, 21 July 2026, After spring break: Tuesday, 6 October 2026

What is the difference between DBE and ISASA school calendars?

The DBE (Department of Basic Education) calendar is mandatory for all government schools with 200-204 teaching days across 4 terms.
The ISASA calendar is a guideline for private schools offering both 4-term and 3-term options with 180-183 teaching days. Private schools can customize their calendars.

How many school days are there in 2026?

Public Schools: 200-204 actual teaching days across 43 weeks.
Private Schools (ISASA 4-term): 183 days plus 10 Saturdays.
Private Schools (ISASA 3-term): 180 days plus 10 Saturdays.

Do Gauteng and KZN schools follow different calendars?

No. All government schools in all nine provinces, including Gauteng and KZN, follow the same national DBE calendar. There are no provincial variations for public schools.

Are coastal and inland schools still different in 2026?

No. Since 2024, all schools (coastal and inland) start on the same date. The unified policy ensures consistent educational delivery nationwide with all schools opening on 14 January 2026.

Do private schools have to follow the DBE calendar?

No. Private and independent schools have autonomy in setting their calendars, though many align with ISASA guidelines.
They must meet minimum instructional day requirements and maintain educational standards but can customize term dates and structure.

Can schools change the published calendar dates?

Government schools cannot modify the published DBE calendar without provincial education department approval and documented justification.
Private schools maintain flexibility to adjust their calendars according to institutional requirements.

When is school closing for the year in 2026?

Public schools close for the year on Wednesday, 9 December 2026 (some schools close on 11 December 2026).
Private schools following the ISASA 4-term calendar close on 2 December 2026, while 3-term schools close on 4 December 2026.

Is the 2026 school calendar the same as 2025?

The basic structure remains similar (4 terms, unified start date, approximately 200 teaching days), but specific dates differ due to shifting public holidays and weekend patterns.
Always verify the current year’s official calendar rather than assuming dates from previous years.

Conclusion

The 2026 school calendar for South Africa provides a structured framework enabling families, educators and schools to plan effectively throughout the academic year.

Whether your child attends a government school following the mandatory DBE calendar or a private institution aligned with ISASA guidelines, understanding key dates ensures smooth coordination of family activities, work schedules, and educational priorities.

Disclaimer

Information presented reflects official publications at time of writing. While every effort ensures accuracy, parents should verify critical dates with their specific schools and provincial education departments.

Private and independent schools may maintain alternative calendars requiring direct institutional confirmation.

For questions about specific school calendars, contact your school administration directly. For government school policy inquiries, consult your provincial education department.

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