As the year draws to a close, many parents, learners, and educators begin to wonder: when will Term 4 start? Knowing this has practical importance for planning transport, after-school care, holidays, and study schedules. In this guide, I summarise the official school calendar for public schools in South Africa, discuss how independent (private) schools vary, and offer tips on what to check locally.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Because education systems evolve, this guide is based on the 2025 official calendar as published by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and will also point ahead to 2026. (Always confirm with your specific school at the start of the year.)
Official Term 4 Start Dates (Public Schools)
2025
- According to the 2025 school calendar, Term 4 begins on Monday, 13 October 2025 for learners.
- The term ends on 10 December 2025 (for learners).
- After learners’ final day, there are administration days on 11 and 12 December 2025, during which staff may handle marking, reporting, or other administrative tasks.
So in short: Term 4 opens on 13 October 2025 and learners’ classes end 10 December 2025, with admin days thereafter.
2026 (Preview)
To help parents and educators plan ahead:
- The 2026 public school calendar shows Term 4 opening on 13 October 2026.
- It is expected to close on 9 December 2026 for learners (with administrative days possibly extending to 11 December).
These dates may shift slightly depending on how weekends and public holidays fall, but they provide a strong planning anchor.
Why These Dates? Understanding the Structure
To appreciate why Term 4 begins in October, it’s helpful to understand the South African school calendar structure.
- South African public schools operate on a four-term academic year, typically spanning January through December.
- Term 4 is the final term of the academic year and leads into the long summer holiday between December and January.
- The DBE publishes the national calendar in the Government Gazette and on its website, making it the authoritative guide for public schools.
One frequent point of confusion arises from “special school holidays” (for example in Term 2) or rumors of calendar changes circulating via social media. The DBE has explicitly confirmed that, for 2025, no amendments have been made to the published calendar. Always refer to DBE or school notices rather than social media sources for confirmed changes.
What About Private or Independent Schools?
While most independent schools in South Africa tend to follow the public school calendar, some have variations due to religious observances, exam calendars, or affiliation with other bodies.
For example:
- ISASA (Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa) publishes suggested calendars for member schools, but participation is voluntary.
- Some private schools may start slightly earlier or end earlier in December, especially if they hold internal exams or want a longer summer break.
- International schools (e.g. those following foreign curricula) sometimes operate on alternative academic calendars (e.g. August–June) — these are exceptions.
If your child attends an independent school, always check the calendar directly from the school (or its governing body), especially as the year approaches.
Practical Tips for Parents, Learners & Educators
- Mark the dates now
Enter 13 October (start) and 10 December (end) into your calendar, along with the administrative days that follow. - Watch for official notices
Schools often send reminders closer to the term start. Also monitor DBE announcements in case of last-minute adjustments (rare, but possible). - Factor in public holidays and exam times
Although Term 4 has no public holidays in 2025, national exam schedules (especially for matric learners) may influence school routines. - Plan transport and logistics early
If your child relies on school transport, after-school care, or other services, make sure arrangements are confirmed well before Term 4 begins. - Check your child’s school website or parent portal
Many schools publish their term calendars ahead of time—these become your most reliable source for class start times, orientation days, etc. - Confirm for subsequent years
As calendars slightly shift year by year, it’s wise to download or print the DBE’s official calendar at the beginning of each new school year.
Sample Timeline (for 2025, Public Schools)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Term 4 for learners | 13 October 2025 |
| End of instructional classes | 10 December 2025 |
| Administration / marking days | 11–12 December 2025 |
Remember, these are national dates for public schools — your child’s school might have minor adjustments for special events, parent meetings, or assessments.
Also check: Education Department Dismisses Rumours About Changes to 2025 School Calendar
In summary: public schools in South Africa reopen for Term 4 on 13 October 2025, with learners’ final classes ending on 10 December 2025 (and administrative duties following).
While this schedule is highly reliable (as it’s gazetted by the DBE), always double-check your local school’s calendar, especially for private or independent schools which may diverge slightly. Keeping these dates in mind now helps you plan travel, care, study routines, and family time well in advance — making for a smoother transition into the final term of the year.
