Term Planner 2026
Plan your year around school terms, holidays, and public holidays
Term 1
Completed53 school days
Starts
Wed, 14 Jan
Ends
Fri, 27 Mar
Public Holidays During Term
Human Rights Day (21 Mar)
Tips for Parents
- • New year, new stationery - stock up early
- • Establish morning routines early
- • Shorter term ends before Easter
- • School fees typically due at start
11 day school holiday
Includes: Good Friday, Family Day
Term 2
Current54 school days
Starts
Wed, 08 Apr
Ends
Fri, 26 Jun
Public Holidays During Term
Freedom Day (27 Apr) Workers' Day (01 May) Youth Day (16 Jun)
Tips for Parents
- • Freedom Day (27 Apr) creates long weekend
- • Workers' Day (1 May) is a public holiday
- • Youth Day (16 Jun) falls in this term
- • Mid-year exams typically in June
24 day school holiday
Term 3
46 school days
Starts
Tue, 21 Jul
Ends
Wed, 23 Sept
Public Holidays During Term
National Women's Day (09 Aug)
Tips for Parents
- • Winter term - pack warm clothes
- • Women's Day (9 Aug) is a public holiday
- • Heritage Day (24 Sep) near term end
- • Shortest term of the year
12 day school holiday
Includes: Heritage Day
Term 4
47 school days
Starts
Tue, 06 Oct
Ends
Fri, 11 Dec
Tips for Parents
- • Final exams for most grades
- • Day of Reconciliation (16 Dec) after school
- • Plan December holidays early
- • Longest school holiday follows
What does the 2026 school year look like?
200
School Days
12
Public Holidays
47
Holiday Days
4
School Terms
Tools to plan around school terms
School term dates are unified across all South African provinces
Data sourced from the Department of Basic Education