The 2026 academic year is set to be more consistent and efficient, according to the education department. With the fourth and final term of the 2025 school year officially ending on December 10th, students, teachers, and parents alike are eagerly awaiting the upcoming festive break. Schools will reopen on January 14th, 2026, marking the start of a new academic year and a five-week summer holiday for students.
The department of basic education (DBE) has introduced several changes to the national policy for determining school calendars, which will take effect in 2026. One of the most significant shifts is the elimination of staggered calendars, ensuring that all provinces begin and end the school year simultaneously. This means inland provinces will no longer start a week earlier than coastal ones.
The proposed policy states that schools must open in the third week of January, marking a departure from the long-standing system. This change brings more flexibility in planning term schedules, as previously, the department had to consider traffic flow when setting holiday dates and banned schools from starting a term on a Monday.
The 2026 school calendar has been unveiled, offering a clear roadmap for parents. Here's a breakdown of the terms:
FIRST TERM:
- Schools start: January 14, 2026
- Schools close: March 27, 2026
- School holidays: March 28 to April 7, 2026
SECOND TERM:
- Schools start: April 8, 2026
- Schools close: June 26, 2026
- Public holidays: Freedom Day (April 27, 2026), Workers' Day (May 1, 2026), Youth Day (June 16, 2026)
- Special school holidays: June 15, 2026
- School holidays: June 27 to July 20, 2026
THIRD TERM:
- Schools start: July 21, 2026
- Schools close: September 23, 2026
- Public holidays: National Women's Day (August 9 and 10, 2026)
- School holidays: September 24 to October 5, 2026
FOURTH TERM:
- Schools start: October 6, 2026
- Schools close: December 9, 2026
- Public holidays: Day of Reconciliation (December 16, 2026), Christmas Day (December 25, 2026), Day of Goodwill (December 26, 2026)
These changes reflect input from various stakeholders and the general public since the last policy review in 2015, aiming to streamline the academic year and enhance efficiency.
