South African learners and teachers are set to enjoy an extended break as the Department of Basic Education (DBE) officially confirms a “special” school holiday week in the 2025 school calendar. This comes as part of a well-timed alignment of public holidays following the Easter long weekend, granting both pupils and educators a much-needed breather before resuming the busy second term.
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A Surprise Break in the School Year For South African Pupils
The DBE has confirmed that after schools return from the Easter break on Tuesday, April 22, they will be in session only for a few days until Friday, April 25. From Monday, April 28, to Friday, May 2, schools will close again, thanks to a combination of public holidays and special school holidays.
The extended break is due to a unique alignment of dates:
- April 27 (Freedom Day) falls on a Sunday in 2025, and its observance will be moved to Monday, April 28, which will then be a public holiday.
- April 29 and 30 have been declared special school holidays.
- May 1 (Workers’ Day) is also a public holiday.
- As a result, the entire week from April 28 to May 2 becomes a week-long school break, with learners and teachers expected to return on Monday, May 5, 2025.
This will boost morale among South African pupils and educators, offering an opportunity to recharge before tackling the rest of Term 2.
Breakdown of the 2025 School Calendar
The 2025 school calendar includes 27 school holidays, which is a slight increase from the 25 holidays in 2024, although fewer than the 32 holidays in 2023 and 33 in 2022.
Here is the structure for public schools:
First Term
- Starts: 15 January 2025
- Ends: 28 March 2025
- Public holiday: 21 March – Human Rights Day
- School holidays: 29 March – 7 April
Second Term
- Starts: 8 April 2025
- Ends: 17 June 2025
- Public holidays:
- 18 April – Good Friday
- 21 April – Family Day
- 27 April – Freedom Day (observed on 28 April)
- 1 May – Workers’ Day
- 16 June – Youth Day
- Special school holidays: 29 April – 2 May
- Mid-year break: 27 June – 21 July
Third Term
- Starts: 22 July 2025
- Ends: 3 October 2025
- Public holidays:
- 9 August – National Women’s Day
- 24 September – Heritage Day
- School holidays: 6 – 10 October
Fourth Term
- Starts: 13 October 2025
- Ends: 10 December 2025
- Administration days: 11 – 12 December
What About Independent Schools?
The Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) has confirmed that independent schools will have a slightly different calendar, with the school year starting on 15 January 2025 and ending on 3 December 2025, resulting in fewer school days compared to public schools. Independent schools may have some flexibility in how they implement the special holiday week, but they are expected to align with the DBE calendar for consistency.
Why the Special Week Matters For South African Pupils
While some may see the extra week off as a disruption to academic flow, many educators and parents see it as an opportunity for rest, family time, and mental well-being. The second term often brings academic pressure and winter illnesses, and a mid-term breather could go a long way in improving learner focus and teacher preparedness.
The inclusion of a “special” holiday week in the 2025 South African school calendar is a welcome surprise for pupils and educators alike. This rare alignment of public and special holidays provides a valuable pause in an otherwise packed academic schedule. As schools prepare for the months ahead, this unexpected break may just be what’s needed to refresh and reset for a successful academic year.
Stay informed and keep track of school holidays and term dates to ensure your child stays on top of their education journey.
