The School Calendar 2026 for South African public schools has been officially published by the Department of Basic Education. For parents and learners in Gauteng, planning around term dates is vital. We break down the full calendar, key public holidays, and what to expect throughout the academic year.
2026 School Term Dates at a Glance
The 2026 academic year consists of four terms, with 205 official school days. These dates apply to all Gauteng public schools, as well as schools in other inland provinces.
Term Dates Overview
| Term | Start | End | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 14 January | 27 March | 11 weeks |
| Term 2 | 8 April | 26 June | 11 weeks |
| Term 3 | 21 July | 23 September | 10 weeks |
| Term 4 | 6 October | 9 December | 10 weeks |
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Public Holidays That Affect the School Calendar 2026
Several South African public holidays fall within term time. Here’s what Gauteng parents should watch for:
- 21 March – Human Rights Day (Term 1)
- 3 April – Good Friday (During Autumn Holidays)
- 27 April – Freedom Day (Term 2)
- 1 May – Workers’ Day (Term 2)
- 16 June – Youth Day (Term 2)
- 9 August – Women’s Day (Observed 10 Aug, during holidays)
- 24 September – Heritage Day (Term 3)
These dates may affect lesson planning, school trips, and extracurricular schedules.
First Day of School: 14 January 2026
Gauteng learners will return to school on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. Teachers are expected back earlier to prepare, typically by Monday, 12 January. Schools are advised to finalise stationery and booklists by December 2025.
When Do Matrics Start and End?
Grade 12 learners begin classes with the rest of the school but often follow a compressed schedule. Preliminary exams usually start mid-September, with National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams beginning in October. Final results are expected by early January 2027.
Winter and Spring Breaks
Breaks between terms are essential for recovery and planning. For 2026:
- Autumn Break: 28 March – 6 April
- Winter Break: 27 June – 19 July
- Spring Break: 24 September – 5 October
- Year-End Break: Starts 10 December 2026
These breaks vary slightly for teachers due to marking, administration, and staff development days.
What About Private and IEB Schools?
Independent schools may have slightly different calendars. Schools under the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) often start earlier in January and close later in December. Parents should confirm specific dates with school administrators.
Total Teaching Time in 2026
The school year includes 43 teaching weeks, which aligns with DBE guidelines. The Department requires 200+ contact days annually. This ensures syllabus coverage across all phases – from Foundation Phase to FET.
Gauteng-Specific Academic Programmes
Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) often runs Saturday schools, Matric intervention camps, and ICT-based learning. These programmes may continue during holiday periods. In 2025, over 30,000 learners participated in these support initiatives.
Education Trends: More Digital in 2026
The GDE continues to push its e-learning strategy, with over 1.2 million learners using digital tablets across Gauteng. In 2026, new rollouts are expected in Grade 4 and Grade 9. Term planning now integrates online assessments, especially for coding and robotics subjects.
Tips for Parents: Making the Most of the School Calendar 2026
To support your child’s success:
- Mark all term dates and public holidays
- Plan family trips during official school breaks
- Ensure early purchases of uniforms and stationery
- Attend school orientation meetings
- Monitor updates from your school’s WhatsApp or SMS group
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does Term 1 start in 2026?
Term 1 begins on 14 January 2026 for public schools across Gauteng.
Are school holidays the same for all provinces?
Yes, for 2026, the calendar is nationally standardised across all nine provinces.
Do private schools follow the same school calendar?
Not always. IEB and other private institutions may follow a custom calendar, so check with the school directly.
When does Term 4 end in 2026?
Learners finish on 9 December, while teachers may continue until 11 December.
Where can I download the full School Calendar 2026 PDF?
The Department of Basic Education’s official PDF is available at:
education.gov.za
