School Term 1 2026

About this term

Schools open on 14 January 2026 and close on 27 March 2026, lasting 11 weeks. This term includes no public holidays, resulting in 53 to 55 official school days, depending on provincial calendars. The term begins after the year-end break and marks the start of the academic programme for all grades. Activities include the issuing of timetables, return of teaching staff, re-enrolment procedures, and the implementation of the annual teaching plans (ATPs). Educators conduct baseline assessments and diagnostic evaluations during the first weeks to determine learner placement and progression readiness. Administrative and curriculum planning meetings are held at the school level, and subject teaching resumes in full. Term 1 does not overlap with any national holidays, allowing for uninterrupted classroom time. The autumn school holiday begins on 28 March 2026 and ends prior to the reopening of Term 2.