As outlined in NOWinSA’s guide to the 2026 school calendar for public schools, South Africa’s public education system follows a standardised national timetable. Private schools, however, operate under far more flexible arrangements, with calendars shaped by associations, regions and individual institutions.
According to guidelines issued by the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA), most private schools will begin the 2026 academic year on January 14, 2026, aligning with public schools, and conclude the year in early December, typically around December 4.
No one-size-fits-all calendar
Unlike public schools, there is no single compulsory calendar for independent schools in South Africa. While many private schools choose to mirror the public school calendar issued by the Department of Basic Education, others follow:
- ISASA regional calendars
- Association-based calendars
- Or their own school-specific schedules
As a result, term dates, mid-term breaks and total school days can differ significantly from one private school to another.
Two common systems: Three terms vs four terms
ISASA guidelines outline two dominant calendar structures used by private schools:
Four-Term System (Similar to Public Schools)
- Term 1: January 14 – March 27
- Term 2: April 14 – June 26
- Term 3: July 21 – September 23
- Term 4: 13 October – December 2
- Total school days: 183 (one fewer than in 2025)
Three-Term System
- Term 1: January 14 – March 27
- Term 2: April 14 – June 26
- Term 3: July 21 – December 2
- Total school days: 180
Schools following the three-term system typically include longer instructional terms and extended mid-term breaks, rather than shorter, evenly spaced holidays.
Fewer school days than public schools
In contrast to public schools—which will have 200 school days in 2026—private schools generally operate with fewer teaching days:
- Four-term private schools: 183 days
- Three-term private schools: 180 days
This difference makes careful academic planning essential, particularly for senior learners and matric candidates.
ALSO READ: Top 10 Best-Performing Private Schools in the 2024 Matric Results
Regional variations to note
ISASA’s Central Region—covering Gauteng, Free State, North West and the Northern Cape—publishes a recommended calendar to guide member schools. While schools are not legally required to follow it, most do.
In KwaZulu-Natal, many private schools continue to use a four-term system, closely resembling the public school structure.
Key dates for private school parents
While dates vary by school, most parents can expect the following general pattern:
- Start date: January 14, 2026 (most schools)
- End date: Early to mid-December
- Mid-term breaks: Commonly in late February, late June and late October (three-term schools)
- Public holidays: Usually observed, but schools may adjust schedules
Parents are strongly advised to confirm all dates directly with their child’s school.
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Planning and verification
To avoid confusion, parents should:
- Check the official calendar issued by their school
- Review ISASA guidelines if the school is a member
- Plan holidays and commitments around confirmed term and mid-term breaks
Related reading on NOWinSA
For more insight into education performance and learner pathways, read:
- Assistance for Unplaced Matriculants Seeking University Admission
- Failed Matric? Here Are 4 Viable Options to Rewrite Your Future
- Rejected by NSFAS? Fix These Mistakes in Your Next Attempt
Final note
The flexibility of private school calendars allows institutions to tailor the academic year to their ethos and community needs. However, this also places responsibility on parents to verify dates early and plan accordingly.
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