Planning your year ahead? Whether you’re a parent, student, or teacher, staying updated with South Africa’s school calendar and public holidays is essential for organising vacations, study schedules, and family plans. Here’s a comprehensive guide to South Africa’s school terms and public holidays for 2025.
South Africa’s School Terms for 2025
Public Schools (Government Schools)
The school calendar in South Africa is divided into four terms. Here are the official dates for 2025:
Term 1: 15 January – 28 March
Term 2: 8 April – 27 June
Term 3: 22 July – 3 October
Term 4: 13 October – 10 December
Note: School terms may vary slightly by province. Always confirm with the specific education department in your region.
Private Schools
Private schools in South Africa may follow a different academic calendar, often with three terms instead of four. It’s best to check directly with the school for their term dates.
South Africa’s School Terms for 2025
Public holidays provide opportunities for rest, celebration, and reflection. Below are the official public holidays for South Africa in 2025:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 21 March | Friday | Human Rights Day |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 21 April | Monday | Family Day |
| 27 April | Sunday | Freedom Day |
| 1 May | Thursday | Workers’ Day |
| 16 June | Monday | Youth Day |
| 9 August | Saturday | National Women’s Day |
| 24 September | Wednesday | Heritage Day |
| 16 December | Tuesday | Day of Reconciliation |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Day of Goodwill |
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Year
With this information, you can plan vacations, study breaks, and family activities accordingly. Many families also take advantage of long weekends and school holidays to explore South Africa’s beautiful destinations. Whether you’re planning a road trip or simply scheduling important work and study commitments, being aware of these dates will help you stay organised.
Stay updated with any changes by checking with the Department of Basic Education or your child’s school. Here’s to a well-planned and successful 2025!
