In 2025, all provinces—both coastal and inland—will follow the same school calendar. The academic year will begin on 15 January 2025 and end on 10 December 2025, a continuation of the uniform schedule introduced in 2024.
This marks a departure from earlier practices, where inland provinces, such as Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West, started on different dates to coastal provinces, including Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, and Western Cape.
Academic and Holiday Breakdown
The 2025 school year will span 46 weeks, including 199 classroom days. Learners will also observe seven public holidays, offering well-deserved breaks throughout the year.
Official 2025 School Calendar Breakdown
|
Term |
Duration |
Weeks |
Days |
Public Holidays |
School Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Term 1 |
15 Jan – 29 Mar |
11 |
53 (55) |
1 |
51 (53) |
|
Term 2 |
8 Apr – 27 Jun |
12 |
59 |
5+3 |
49 |
|
Term 3 |
22 Jul – 3 Oct |
11 |
54 |
1 |
52 |
|
Term 4 |
13 Oct – 10 Dec |
9 |
43 (45) |
0 |
47 (49) |
|
Total |
15 Jan – 10 Dec |
43 |
209 (213) |
7+3 |
199 (203) |
Draft Calendar for 2026
Looking ahead, the draft 2026 school calendar suggests an earlier start. The academic year is expected to commence on 14 January 2026 and conclude on 9 December 2026. Learners will spend 207 days in school over 43 weeks.
The public consultation on the 2026 calendar ended on 15 November 2024. The finalised schedule is expected to be released soon.
The DBE has promised to provide official confirmation for the 2026 calendar in due course. In the meantime, schools and parents can prepare for another unified schedule in 2025, streamlining planning across the country.
