VerifiedThe Department of Basic Education has published the 2027 school calendar for South Africa, which sets out when schools open and close next year. The 2026 school year ends on 11 December 2026.
This guide gives parents, learners and teachers the 2027 term dates and the public holidays that fall during the school year.
When Does the 2027 School Year Start?
All public schools in South Africa will open on:
- Learners: Wednesday, 13 January 2027
- Teachers and staff: the Monday before learners return, as published by each province
One calendar applies to all nine provinces. The department ended the split inland and coastal calendar, so every province follows the same dates.
2027 School Term Dates
The 2027 school calendar has four terms:
| Term | Dates | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 13 January – 19 March 2027 | 10 weeks |
| Term 2 | 6 April – 25 June 2027 | 12 weeks |
| Term 3 | 20 July – 1 October 2027 | 11 weeks |
| Term 4 | 11 October – 10 December 2027 | 9 weeks |
The 2027 school year ends on 10 December 2027 for public schools. Before that, the 2026 year ends on 11 December 2026, after a fourth term that runs from 6 October 2026.
How Many School Days Are There in 2027?
The official calendar sets 197 school days for learners in 2027:
- 197 school days for learners
- 28 school holiday days
- 5 public holidays during school time
- 1 special school holiday
This meets the minimum number of teaching days the department requires.
The terms break down roughly as follows:
- Term 1: about 48 school days
- Term 2: about 56 school days
- Term 3: about 46 school days
- Term 4: about 44 school days
Total = 197 school days.
Public Holidays During the 2027 School Year
Here are the main public holidays during the school year:
- 22 March — Human Rights Day (observed)
- 27 April — Freedom Day
- 1 May — Workers’ Day
- 16 June — Youth Day
- 24 September — Heritage Day
In addition, the following holidays fall outside term time or do not affect learning days:
- 1 January — New Year’s Day
- 3 April — Good Friday
- 6 April — Family Day
- 9 August — National Women’s Day
- 10 August — Public Holiday
- 16 December — Day of Reconciliation
- 25 December — Christmas Day
- 26 December — Day of Goodwill
Special School Holiday in 2026
A special school holiday has been declared for:
- Monday, 15 June 2026
This is to create a long weekend around Youth Day on Tuesday, 16 June. Schools will therefore be closed on both Monday and Tuesday that week.
The Department of Basic Education works with other stakeholders — including transport authorities, religious groups, NGOs, and the private sector — to approve such changes when needed.
Why Inland and Coastal Schools Start on the Same Day
The Department of Basic Education explained that the unified start date helps:
- Prevent a late start to the school year
- Avoid pushing teaching into late December
- Ensure enough teaching days are available
- Align the school calendar better with the national public holiday calendar
This policy is reviewed every year to make sure no learning time is lost.
Private School Calendar for 2026
Private and independent schools do not follow one single compulsory calendar.
However, the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) guidelines show that:
- Most private schools will also start on 14 January 2026
- Most will end earlier, on 4 December 2026
- Private schools will generally have fewer school days than public schools
Typical structures:
- Four-term private schools: about 183 school days
- Three-term private schools: about 180 school days
Some private schools follow the public calendar, some follow ISASA guidelines, and others use their own internal calendars. There is no universal rule for all private schools.
Summary: School Calendar 2026 at a Glance
- Schools open: 14 January 2026
- Schools close: 9 December 2026
- Total school days: 200
- Special holiday: 15 June 2026
- Youth Day: 16 June 2026
- Four terms across the year
- Inland and coastal schools follow the same dates
The school calendar 2026 is designed to provide stability, protect teaching time, and align schools with national holidays. Parents and learners can now plan transport, childcare, holidays, and study schedules with confidence.
If you are choosing between public and private schooling, always confirm dates directly with your school, as independent schools may follow different calendars.