On this page, you will find the full breakdown of the 2027 School Calendar for South African schools.
You can download a printable calendar here for your convenience.
As you go through this page, you will see that we have included an overview for each month, showing the calendar month on the left, a key dates list on the right, as well as the summary at the bottom of each month. This will make it easier for you to quickly know what is happening each month at a quick glance.
At the end of the page, we have included a term-by-term overview of key dates and holidays.
2027 School Calendar Month by Month
The month of January 2027 – school key dates:
The month of February 2027 – school key dates:
The month of March 2027 – school key dates:
The month of April 2027 – school key dates:
The month of May 2027 – school key dates:
The month of June 2027 – school key dates:
The month of July 2027 – school key dates:
The month of August 2027 – school key dates:
The month of September 2027 – school key dates:
The month of October 2027 – school key dates:
The month of November 2027 – school key dates:
The month of December 2027 – school key dates:
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.
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
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
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
- 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.