Here’s a comprehensive guide to the 2025 school calendar for public schools in South Africa. This year’s schedule includes key dates, holidays, and special school breaks to help parents and students plan ahead. With 27 standard school holidays – an increase from the 25 holidays in 2024 – the calendar also includes three additional special holidays introduced by the Department of Basic Education.
These special holidays are due to the Public Holidays Act of 1994, which mandates an extra day off if a public holiday falls on a Sunday. In 2025, these special holidays will fall on:
- Tuesday, 29 April 2025
- Wednesday, 30 April 2025
- Friday, 2 May 2025
This means that in the same week, Worker’s Day on Thursday, 1 May 2025 results in an extended break for schools.
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When are Schools Opening in 2025?
In 2025, schools in South Africa will open on Wednesday, 15 January 2025 for both public schools and most private/IEB schools. This marks the start of Term 1 for the academic year
Key Dates for Public Schools in 2025 per Term
Term 1 School Calendar:
Start Date: 15 January 2025
End Date: 28 March 2025
Public Holidays:
- New Year’s Day – 1 January 2025
- Human Rights Day – 21 March 2025
School Holidays:
29 March 2025 – 7 April 2025
Term 2 School Calendar:
Start Date: 8 April 2025
End Date: 17 June 2025
Public Holidays:
- Good Friday – 18 April 2025
- Family Day – 21 April 2025
- Freedom Day – 27 April 2025
- Workers’ Day – 1 May 2025
- Youth Day – 16 June 2025
Special School Holidays:
29 April 2025 – 2 May 2025 (a full week off due to Worker’s Day)
School Holidays:
18 June 2025 – 8 July 2025
Term 3 School Calendar:
Start Date: 22 July 2025
End Date: 3 October 2025
Public Holidays:
- National Women’s Day – 9 August 2025
- Heritage Day – 24 September 2025
School Holidays:
6 October 2025 – 10 October 2025
Term 4 School Calendar:
Start Date: 13 October 2025
End Date: 10 December 2025
Administration Days:
11 December 2025 – 12 December 2025
Public Holidays:
- Day of Reconciliation – 16 December 2025
- Christmas Day – 25 December 2025
- Day of Goodwill – 26 December 2025