North West School Terms 2026 & 2027
Official school term dates for North West (NW) — sourced from the Department of Basic Education gazette.
In 2026, schools run 14 Jan – 11 Dec across 4 terms (200 days). In 2027, 13 Jan – 10 Dec across 4 terms (197 days).
North West School Term Dates
Term 1
53 days14 January 2026 – 27 March 2026
Term 2
54 days8 April 2026 – 26 June 2026
Term 3
46 days21 July 2026 – 23 September 2026
Term 4
47 days6 October 2026 – 11 December 2026
200 school days · Source: Government Gazette No. 52177, Notice 5901 (25 February 2025)
200 school days across 4 terms in 2026
National unified calendar — every public school in North West follows these dates.
2026 School Year at a Glance
200 school daysTerms, public holidays, and today's position across the North West school year.
Term length comparison
National Unified Calendar
Since 2024, all 9 South African provinces follow the same school term dates. This includes North West. The unified calendar was implemented by the Department of Basic Education to simplify planning for families who move between provinces.
View Full 2026 CalendarNorth West School Holidays 2026 — Plan Your Break
Four breaks between terms. Use the Leave Optimiser to stretch each break with strategic leave days around public holidays.
Best Leave Windows 2026
Using 5 leave days
01 Jan – 03 Jan
1 leave day → 4 days off · New Year's Day
20 Mar – 22 Mar
1 leave day → 3 days off · Human Rights Day
03 Apr – 06 Apr
0 leave day → 4 days off · Good Friday, Family Day
Plan your North West holiday
When is the best time for outdoor activities in North West? Data-driven monthly scores based on real weather averages.
About North West Schools
North West is one of South Africa's 9 provinces, with its administrative capital in Mahikeng. All public schools in the province follow the national school calendar set by the Department of Basic Education.
Note: Independent (private) schools may have slightly different term dates. Always confirm with your specific school.
Major Cities in North West
All public schools in the following cities follow the North West school calendar above:
North West Department of Education
NWDoE
Address
Physical Address
Garona Building, Mmabatho, 2735
Postal Address
Private Bag X2044, Mmabatho, 2735
Education Districts
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Guides
December Holidays 2026
Your Complete Guide to the South African Summer Break
Easter Break 2026
Planning Your Autumn Long Weekend
Winter Holidays 2026
Mid-Year School Break Guide
Spring Holidays 2026
Heritage Day & the September School Break — Your Planning Guide
Spring Holidays 2027
Heritage Day & the September School Break — Your Planning Guide
December Holidays 2027
Your Complete Guide to the South African Summer Break
Easter Break 2027
Planning Your Autumn Long Weekend
Winter Holidays 2027
Mid-Year School Break Guide
School Terms in Other Provinces
Related Resources
Data sourced from the Department of Basic Education (DBE)
Government Gazette No. 52177, Notice 5901 (25 February 2025)