The Department of Basic Education has officially published the 2026 school calendar, confirming that the new academic year will begin on January 14 for all learners across South Africa.

As introduced in 2024, schools in both coastal and inland regions will once again start the academic year at the same time, a move aimed at ensuring uniformity across provinces.

This arrangement will continue throughout 2026. Teachers and school administrators are expected to report earlier, with the academic year for staff commencing on January 12, allowing time for preparation ahead of learners’ return to classrooms.

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According to the department, the 2026 school year will be divided into four terms.

Term 1 will run from January 14 to March 27, followed by Term 2 from April 8 to June 26. Term 3 is scheduled from July 21 to September 23, while Term 4 will begin on October 6 and conclude on December 9.

In total, the 2026 academic year will consist of 200 school days spread across the four terms. Learners will also benefit from 28 school holiday days and five public holidays that fall within the school calendar.

Notably, the Department of Basic Education has also declared an additional special school holiday. This extra day off for learners and educators will fall on June 15, providing a brief mid-year break during the second term.

The publication of the calendar allows parents, learners, and educators to plan for the 2026 academic year with clarity and certainty.

This is the calendar in detail:

Term 1

• Duration: (12) 14 January – 27 March
• Number of weeks: 11
• Number of days: 53 (55)
• Number of public holidays: 0
• Actual number of school days: 53 (55)

Term 2

• Duration: 8 April – 26 June
• Number of weeks: 12
• Number of days: 58
• Number of public holidays: 3+1
• Easter: 3 Apr Good Friday and 6 Apr Family Day
• Freedom Day: 27 Apr
• Workers’ Day: 1 May
• Special school holiday: 15 Jun
• Youth Day: 16 Jun
• Actual number of school days: 54

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Term 3

• Duration: 21 July – 23 Sept
• Number of weeks: 10
• Number of days: 47
• Number of public holidays: 1
• National Women’s Day: 9 Aug (observed on 10 Aug)
• Actual number of school days: 46

Term 4

• Duration: 6 October – (9) 11 December
• Number of weeks: 10
• Number of days: 47 (49)
• Number of public holidays: 0
• Actual number of school days: 47 (49)

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