Learners across South Africa started period 1 But Wednesday, January 14, 2026Both inland and coastal schools are reopening on the same date.
This same national start date continues the policy introduced in 2024, which aims to Preventing delays in the academic year And Protecting the total number of teaching days.
academic year schedule
The 2026 school year is structured as follows:
- period 1: 14 January – 27 March (53 days)
- Period 2: April 8 – June 26 (54 days)
- Period 3: July 21 – September 23 (51 days)
- Period 4: 6 October – 9 December (47 days)
This means we are approaching the end of the first term in 2026 with the last day Friday, March 27.
Scholars will return to their desks for Term 2 Wednesday, April 8.
This means that students will enjoy Eight School days off. However, Two Among them are public holidays (Good Friday and Family Day).
Overall, the calendar includes 205 school day, 28 school holidaysAnd five public holidays.
youth day long weekend
Meanwhile, the 2026 calendar includes one special adjustment: Monday, June 15has been designated as an additional school holiday, allowing a long weekend around youth daywhatever falls Tuesday, June 16.
This adjustment was agreed during the annual calendar consultation Education officials, transport representatives, religious organizations, NGOs and private sector stakeholders.
in the next public holiday South Africa scheduled to happen human rights Day But Saturday, March 21.
Basic Education Department reviews annual school calendar to make sure there is No loss of teaching and learning daysTo provide a consistent framework for students and teachers across the country.