The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially released the 2026 school calendar, confirming that all public schools across South Africa will reopen on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Teachers and school administrators will return earlier, on Monday, January 12, to prepare for the academic year.
The confirmed calendar continues the 2024 policy shift that aligned school start dates for coastal and inland provinces, a move aimed at preventing late January openings that disrupt teaching schedules. The full official document is available from the Department of Basic Education here.
2026 Public School terms at a Glglance
The four-term system remains in place for 2026, with clearly defined start and closing dates:
- Term 1: January 14 – 27 March
- Term 2: April 8 – 26 June
- Term 3: July 21 – 23 September
- Term 4: October 6 – December 9 (Grade R ends on December 9; other grades on December 11)
In total, the school year will consist of 200 school days, supported by 28 school holiday days and five public holidays that fall within the academic calendar.
Special school holiday added for Youth Day long weekend
One of the standout features of the 2026 calendar is an additional special school holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026, creating a long weekend ahead of Youth Day on Tuesday, June 16.
The DBE explained that special school holidays may be declared following consultations with stakeholders such as the Department of Transport, religious organisations, NGOs and other partners. The aim is to balance academic requirements with broader social and logistical considerations.
Public holidays during school terms
Public holidays affecting the school year include:
- Term 2 (most impacted):
- Good Friday – April 3
- Family Day – April 6
- Freedom Day – April 27
- Workers’ Day – May 1
- Special school holiday – 15 June
- Youth Day – June 16
- Term 3:
- National Women’s Day (observed on August 10)
No public holidays fall within Term 1 or Term 4.
Why the unified start date matters
According to the Department of Basic Education, aligning school start dates nationally helps avoid a late January opening, which “pushes back all the terms” and places pressure on curriculum delivery.
The department noted that the calendar is reviewed annually to ensure there is no loss of teaching days, despite changes in public holidays and other national calendar factors.
Planning ahead for the 2026 school year
Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan early by downloading the official calendar from the DBE or consulting provincial portals such as the Western Cape Education Department’s school calendar for local guidance.
The calendar is particularly important for matric learners, whose academic timelines are closely linked to term structures and examination schedules. For more education updates, readers can explore NOWinSA’s related coverage:
- 2025 Matric Results: Official Release Dates and How to Check
- DBE Confirms 7 Pretoria Schools in Matric Paper Leak Probe
- Free State Tops National Matric Pass Rate for the Sixth Consecutive Year
With term dates and holidays now confirmed, the 2026 school calendar provides families with clear markers to plan travel, childcare, study schedules and family commitments well in advance.
