The official school holiday calendar for South Africa in 2026 has been released, outlining all major closing and reopening dates for public and many private schools. These dates are crucial for parents, students, teachers, and caregivers to plan family time, travel and academic schedules throughout the year. The 2026 academic calendar continues the structured term system used nationwide.
School Term Structure 2026
South African schools follow a four-term system that includes structured teaching weeks and designated holiday periods between terms. This ensures a balanced academic year with regular breaks to support student wellbeing, family time, and cultural or national celebrations. The closing and reopening dates for each term are now officially confirmed for 2026.
Start of the Academic Year
The academic year in South Africa typically begins in early January. Schools across provinces will reopen after the summer break, welcoming students back for the first teaching term of 2026. The opening weeks are usually focused on settling in and reinforcing key concepts before the first term progresses.
First Term Closing and Holiday
After a full session of classroom teaching, the first term will come to an end in late March. Once students complete lessons for this term, they will begin their first holiday break of the year. This break gives learners a chance to rest and recharge before the next phase of studies.
Second Term and Mid-Year Break
The second term starts after the first holiday and continues through the early months of the year. Schools will close again for a mid-year holiday at the end of June. This mid-year break is one of the longest holiday periods in the academic calendar and offers families an opportunity for travel and activities.
Third Term and September Break
The third term recommences after the mid-year holiday and stretches into the second half of the year. At the end of September, schools will close for a short holiday before the final term. This break gives students a short pause and helps prepare them for the last term of the academic year.
Final Term and End-of-Year Holiday
The fourth and final term of 2026 will begin after the September break and run through the end of the school year. When this term concludes in early December, students will begin the year-end summer holidays. This festive season break is the longest, spanning the transition from one academic year into the next.
Planning Ahead for 2026
Families and students are encouraged to mark these dates on calendars, plan vacations, and coordinate childcare or transport arrangements early. Knowing the official closing and reopening dates helps parents balance work commitments with school schedules and make the most of holiday periods.
Conclusion
The official school holiday calendar for South Africa in 2026 provides clarity on when schools will close and reopen across the year. With structured term dates and designated breaks in March, June, September and December, families can prepare ahead and ensure a smooth academic year for learners. Staying informed about these dates ensures better planning and peace of mind for students and parents alike.