The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has gazetted the 2026 school calendar, which confirms the important dates for the 2026 school year.
I, Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, acting in terms of section 3(4)(k) of the National Education Policy Act, 1996, (Act No. 27 of 1996), and after consultation with the Council of Education Ministers, hereby publish the 2026 Calendar for public schools in South Africa as detailed in the accompanying schedule.
The 2026 school calendar was gazetted on 25 February 2025. However, much work was done before it was adopted.
How School Calendars Are Determined
The DBE follows a multi-step process to finalise the annual school calendar. The process begins with the DBE drafting a preliminary calendar, which is then shared with provincial education departments and key stakeholders for initial feedback.
After considering feedback, the DBE forms a subcommittee to review the comments and refine the proposed calendar. The revised calendar is then submitted to the Minister of Basic Education for public consultation.
Following the public comment period, the subcommittee reconvenes to review public input. The proposed calendar is then sent to a committee for evaluation and recommendation to the council.
The council made their decision on the proposed calendar and the 2026 calendar was approved by the Minister of Basic Education last month. The calendar was officially published in various mediums, including the Government Gazette, the DBE website, and social media.
2026 School Year
The 2026 school year will commence on 14 January 2026 and conclude on 9 December 2026. There will be 200 school days over 43 weeks for learning and examinations.
2026 School Terms
- Term 1: (12) 14 January – 27 March
- Term 2: 8 April - 26 June
- Term 3: 21 July - 2 October
- Term 4: 13 October - 9 (11) December
Brackets indicate the dates on which teachers begin and conclude the school year.
Public Holidays
- 1 January - 01 January New Year’s Day
- 21 March - Human Rights Day
- 3 April - Good Friday
- 6 April - Family Day
- 27 April - Freedom Day
- 1 May - Workers’ Day
- 15 June - Special School Holiday
- 16 June - Youth Day
- 9 August - National Women’s Day
- 10 August - Public Holiday
- 24 September - Heritage Day
- 16 December - Day of Reconciliation
- 25 December - Christmas Day
- 26 December - Day of Goodwill
While the 2026 school year is still months away, preparation is already taking place to maximise the time for teaching and learning.
