Every year, South African parents, teachers, and learners wait for the Department of Basic Education to release the school calendar so that they can plan holidays, school terms, and family events without confusion. The 2027 school year calendar has been confirmed and includes 42 weeks of school across four terms, with a total of 199 to 203 actual school days, depending on the province and start date.
On this page, you will find the full breakdown of school terms, public holidays, and actual school days for 2027.
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2027 School Calendar South Africa – Terms
Term Dates for South African Schools in 2027
The academic year begins in January 2027, with learners expected to return between 11 and 13 January depending on the school. Each term includes teaching time, public holidays, and breaks in between.
Term 1: 11/13 January – 19 March
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Number of Days: 48 or 50 (depending on return date)
- Public Holidays: 0
- Actual School Days: 48 or 50
Learners will return in the second week of January. Schools have the option of starting on 11 January (Tuesday) or 13 January (Thursday). There are no public holidays within Term 1, so the full teaching time is available for learning.
Term 2: 06 April – 25 June
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Number of Days: 59
- Public Holidays: 2 (or 1, if a holiday falls on a weekend)
- Actual School Days: 56
This term includes Good Friday (26 March) and Family Day (29 March), both affecting school days depending on the weekend alignment. There’s also 22 March, which is a day off due to Human Rights Day falling on a Sunday.
Term 3: 20 July – 01 October
- Duration: 11 weeks
- Number of Days: 54
- Public Holidays: 2
- Actual School Days: 52
National Women’s Day on 09 August and Heritage Day on 24 September fall during this term. Learners will likely take those days off, reducing total active teaching days to 52.
Term 4: 11 October – 08/10 December
- Duration: 9 weeks
- Number of Days: 43 or 45
- Public Holidays: 0
- Actual School Days: 43 or 45
Term 4 ends in early December. Depending on whether your school closes on the 8th or the 10th, the number of school days will vary. There are no public holidays during this final term, so learners are in class for the full period.
Summary of Total School Days in 2027
- Total Weeks: 42
- Total Calendar Days: 204 to 208
- Total Public Holidays That Affect Schools: 4 (in some provinces only 1 may impact school days)
- Total Actual School Days: 199 to 203
Full List of South African Public Holidays in 2027
These holidays are national, meaning all schools across the provinces will observe them. However, only a few will fall during school terms.
- 01 January – New Year’s Day
- 21 March – Human Rights Day
- 22 March – Day off for Human Rights Day (since 21 March falls on a Sunday)
- 26 March – Good Friday
- 29 March – Family Day
- 26 April – Special School Holiday
- 27 April – Freedom Day
- 01 May – Workers’ Day
- 16 June – Youth Day
- 09 August – National Women’s Day
- 24 September – Heritage Day
- 16 December – Day of Reconciliation
- 25 December – Christmas Day
- 26 December – Day of Goodwill
What Parents and Teachers Should Note
- Public schools generally follow the calendar above, but independent and private schools may set different return and closing dates.
- The Special School Holiday on 26 April gives a long weekend for Freedom Day. Plan accordingly if you are booking travel.
- If you are unsure about your school’s opening date in January (11 or 13), check with your School Governing Body or the District Office.
Keep this calendar saved and refer to it before booking holidays, planning school events, or organising any mid-term activities.
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