The Department of Basic Education has confirmed the official 2026 South African public school calendar, setting the academic year from 14 January to 9 December 2026. The calendar affects learners, parents, and educators across Gauteng and outlines 200 official school days across four terms.
For Gauteng families, the confirmed dates provide early certainty for annual leave planning, exam preparation, childcare arrangements, and travel scheduling during school holidays.
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Official 2026 Public School Term Dates
The 2026 public school year begins on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, and ends on Wednesday, 9 December 2026, followed by two administration days on 10 and 11 December.
The term structure is as follows:
- Term 1: 14 January – 27 March 2026
- Term 2: 8 April – 26 June 2026
- Term 3: 21 July – 23 September 2026
- Term 4: 6 October – 9 December 2026
According to the Department of Basic Education, the 2026 school year consists of:
- 43 academic weeks
- 200 official school days
- 28 days allocated for school holidays
- Five public holidays fall during term time
- One additional special school holiday
Teachers report for duty on 12 January 2026 to prepare for the academic year.
School Holidays Between Terms
The confirmed school holiday periods for 2026 are:
- Term 1 Holiday: 28 March – 7 April 2026
- Term 2 Holiday: 27 June – 20 July 2026
- Term 3 Holiday: 25 September – 5 October 2026
- Year-End Holiday: Begins after 9 December 2026
In addition, Monday, 15 June 2026, has been declared a special school holiday. This falls one day before Youth Day on 16 June, creating a long weekend during Term 2.
The department stated that special school holidays may be declared when calendar alignment with public holidays requires scheduling adjustments.
Public Holidays During School Terms in 2026
Several national public holidays fall during school terms in 2026.
Term 1
- Human Rights Day – 21 March 2026
Term 2
- Good Friday – 3 April 2026
- Family Day – 6 April 2026
- Freedom Day – 27 April 2026
- Workers’ Day – 1 May 2026
- Youth Day – 16 June 2026
Term 3
- National Women’s Day – 9 August 2026
- Observed on Monday, 10 August 2026
- Heritage Day – 24 September 2026
Term 4
- Day of Reconciliation – 16 December 2026
- Christmas Day – 25 December 2026
- Day of Goodwill – 26 December 2026
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday in line with national legislation.
Teaching Weeks and Academic Structure
The four-term structure distributes teaching time as follows:
- Term 1: 11 weeks
- Term 2: 12 weeks
- Term 3: 10 weeks
- Term 4: 10 weeks
Term 2 is the longest academic term. Term 4, although shorter, is particularly significant for senior learners writing final examinations.
The Department of Basic Education indicated that the calendar was structured to balance curriculum delivery, assessment periods, and learner well-being.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The 2026 school calendar has direct implications for households across Gauteng.
Key considerations include:
- January start dates affect post-festive travel returns
- The special holiday on 15 June creates a long weekend
- June and September school holidays align with peak domestic travel periods
- Final examinations take place during Term 4 before the 9 December closure
Employers in Gauteng often experience increased annual leave requests during June, September, and December school holidays.
Retail, tourism, and transport sectors typically see increased activity during these periods.
The alignment of inland and coastal start dates simplifies national planning for families with relatives across provinces.
FAQ’s
When does the 2026 school year start?
Learners return to school on 14 January 2026.
How many school days are there in 2026?
There are 200 official school days.
What is the special school holiday in 2026?
Monday, 15 June 2026.
When does the 2026 school year end?
Learners finish on 9 December 2026.
Do independent schools follow the same calendar?
Not always. Many align closely, but term dates and total school days may differ.
What Happens Next
The Department of Basic Education reviews the school calendar annually to ensure adequate teaching time and alignment with public holidays.
Any amendments to the 2026 calendar would be communicated through official channels. For now, the confirmed dates provide a clear framework for Gauteng families, schools, and employers to plan the academic year with certainty.
Further updates regarding assessment timetables and national examinations are expected to be released later in 2026.
