South Africa School Terms And Calendar 2025
Official South Africa school terms for the academic year 2025. All term dates, school holidays, and important academic dates. Perfect for planning family activities, school events, and educational trips around the official academic calendar.
January 2025(1 period)
School Term 1
The school year in South Africa begins on 15 January 2025, with learners across the country returning to the classroom after the December break. This term spans over ten weeks, ending on 28 March. The focus during this early period is on settling into the new academic year, establishing routines, and building foundational knowledge in each subject. Teachers conduct diagnostic assessments to understand learners' progress and identify learning gaps. School communities may also hold orientation events, sports trials, and extracurricular sign-ups during the first weeks. The main public holiday during this term is Human Rights Day on 21 March, which provides a valuable opportunity for civic education. While New Year’s Day (1 January) is not within the term dates, it still plays a role in resetting the academic calendar. Following the close of the term, the autumn holiday runs from 29 March to 7 April, offering a brief but well-earned break for students and staff alike.
School Term 1
The school year in South Africa begins on 15 January 2025, with learners across the country returning to the classroom after the December break. This term spans over ten weeks, ending on 28 March. The focus during this early period is on settling into the new academic year, establishing routines, and building foundational knowledge in each subject. Teachers conduct diagnostic assessments to understand learners' progress and identify learning gaps. School communities may also hold orientation events, sports trials, and extracurricular sign-ups during the first weeks. The main public holiday during this term is Human Rights Day on 21 March, which provides a valuable opportunity for civic education. While New Year’s Day (1 January) is not within the term dates, it still plays a role in resetting the academic calendar. Following the close of the term, the autumn holiday runs from 29 March to 7 April, offering a brief but well-earned break for students and staff alike.
April 2025(1 period)
School Term 2
The second academic term begins on 8 April 2025 and stretches to 27 June, covering nearly three months of teaching and learning. This is often the most academically intensive period of the year, with the curriculum picking up pace. During this term, a range of public holidays creates intermittent breaks in the schedule, including Good Friday (18 April), Family Day (21 April), Freedom Day (27 April), Workers’ Day (1 May), and Youth Day (16 June). These holidays provide moments for reflection on national history and social values. A special school holiday from 29 April to 2 May allows for an extended break connected to the late-April holidays, helping families travel or rest without missing class time. Term 2 also includes mid-year assessments or exams in many grades, especially in the senior phases. Learners often feel the academic pressure increase during this stretch. Schools close for the winter holiday starting 18 June, though official closure is set for 27 June. The school break extends to 8 July, giving everyone a three-week pause before returning for the second half of the year.
School Term 2
The second academic term begins on 8 April 2025 and stretches to 27 June, covering nearly three months of teaching and learning. This is often the most academically intensive period of the year, with the curriculum picking up pace. During this term, a range of public holidays creates intermittent breaks in the schedule, including Good Friday (18 April), Family Day (21 April), Freedom Day (27 April), Workers’ Day (1 May), and Youth Day (16 June). These holidays provide moments for reflection on national history and social values. A special school holiday from 29 April to 2 May allows for an extended break connected to the late-April holidays, helping families travel or rest without missing class time. Term 2 also includes mid-year assessments or exams in many grades, especially in the senior phases. Learners often feel the academic pressure increase during this stretch. Schools close for the winter holiday starting 18 June, though official closure is set for 27 June. The school break extends to 8 July, giving everyone a three-week pause before returning for the second half of the year.
July 2025(1 period)
School Term 3
After the winter holiday, the third term begins on 22 July and concludes on 3 October. This term is typically shorter than the others, yet it's packed with important academic content and school activities. It's a vital time for learners to consolidate knowledge before the final stretch of the year. Teachers may use this period for revision, targeted support, and extra lessons to ensure that learners are prepared for end-of-year evaluations. Two public holidays fall during this term: National Women’s Day on 9 August, which celebrates the strength and achievements of South African women, and Heritage Day on 24 September, which highlights the country’s rich cultural diversity. These days often inspire school events or classroom activities that explore identity and community. After classes wrap up on 3 October, learners have a brief spring break from 6 to 10 October. Although short, this break offers an important breather before the academic demands of Term 4.
School Term 3
After the winter holiday, the third term begins on 22 July and concludes on 3 October. This term is typically shorter than the others, yet it's packed with important academic content and school activities. It's a vital time for learners to consolidate knowledge before the final stretch of the year. Teachers may use this period for revision, targeted support, and extra lessons to ensure that learners are prepared for end-of-year evaluations. Two public holidays fall during this term: National Women’s Day on 9 August, which celebrates the strength and achievements of South African women, and Heritage Day on 24 September, which highlights the country’s rich cultural diversity. These days often inspire school events or classroom activities that explore identity and community. After classes wrap up on 3 October, learners have a brief spring break from 6 to 10 October. Although short, this break offers an important breather before the academic demands of Term 4.
October 2025(1 period)
School Term 4
The final term of the school year runs from 13 October to 10 December, making it the shortest instructional term. Despite its length, Term 4 carries significant weight, particularly for learners in Grades 7, 9, and 12, who face final assessments and national exams. During this term, schools focus heavily on exam preparation, project submissions, and curriculum completion. Teachers work to review key content and provide feedback that supports learners' progression. This is also a time when end-of-year events take place, such as awards ceremonies, concerts, and graduation functions. Though school officially ends for learners on 10 December, administrative days on 11 and 12 December are reserved for staff to complete records and final reports. The year closes amid the festive season, with Day of Reconciliation (16 December), Christmas Day (25 December), and Day of Goodwill (26 December) observed as national holidays. These celebrations mark the end of the academic year and the start of a well-deserved summer break for school communities across the country.
School Term 4
The final term of the school year runs from 13 October to 10 December, making it the shortest instructional term. Despite its length, Term 4 carries significant weight, particularly for learners in Grades 7, 9, and 12, who face final assessments and national exams. During this term, schools focus heavily on exam preparation, project submissions, and curriculum completion. Teachers work to review key content and provide feedback that supports learners' progression. This is also a time when end-of-year events take place, such as awards ceremonies, concerts, and graduation functions. Though school officially ends for learners on 10 December, administrative days on 11 and 12 December are reserved for staff to complete records and final reports. The year closes amid the festive season, with Day of Reconciliation (16 December), Christmas Day (25 December), and Day of Goodwill (26 December) observed as national holidays. These celebrations mark the end of the academic year and the start of a well-deserved summer break for school communities across the country.
About South Africa School Terms
Academic Year Structure
South African schools follow a 4-term academic year with breaks between each term. Each term is approximately 10-11 weeks long, providing a balanced education calendar.
Important Notes
While term dates are standardized across South Africa, individual schools may have slight variations. Always confirm specific dates with your school's academic calendar.