New Term Dates – South African parents, learners, and educators can finally plan their year with clarity as the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially released the full school calendar for 2025. The long-anticipated announcement includes confirmed term dates, public holidays, exam periods, and adjusted break schedules across all provinces. With several changes aimed at improving learning continuity and ensuring better alignment with national holidays, the 2025 academic year promises a more structured and balanced approach for both inland and coastal schools. The school calendar plays a crucial role in academic planning, travel arrangements, family vacations, and childcare schedules. In past years, overlapping holidays and inconsistent term lengths across provinces caused confusion. This year, however, the Department has made efforts to standardize key dates, while still allowing for minor regional adjustments based on provincial needs. Among the notable updates, inland provinces like Gauteng and Free State will start the year a week earlier than coastal counterparts such as the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Mid-term breaks have been slightly shortened to allow for an extended winter holiday, while end-of-year closure remains aligned with traditional festive schedules. The 2025 school year will consist of 199 actual teaching days – slightly more than previous years – due to curriculum recovery plans following past disruptions. Schools are urged to strictly follow the calendar to avoid learning losses. From the first day of school to the final year-end exam, here’s everything you need to know about the new calendar, including detailed provincial breakdowns, term-by-term analysis, and contact info for queries.
New Term Dates for South African Schools in 2025
The new term schedule sets clear timelines for all four school terms, across inland and coastal regions. Here’s a breakdown of the official term dates for both clusters:
Inland Provinces: Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West
- Term 1: 15 January – 28 March 2025
- Term 2: 8 April – 20 June 2025
- Term 3: 15 July – 19 September 2025
- Term 4: 30 September – 5 December 2025
Coastal Provinces: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, and Western Cape
- Term 1: 22 January – 28 March 2025
- Term 2: 8 April – 20 June 2025
- Term 3: 15 July – 19 September 2025
- Term 4: 30 September – 5 December 2025
Complete 2025 Holiday Calendar: Public and School Holidays
Alongside term breaks, public holidays and long weekends have also been factored into the school year. Here’s a combined holiday table:
| Holiday Name | Date | Day | School Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Wednesday | Holiday | Before Term 1 starts |
| Human Rights Day | 21 March | Friday | Holiday | Falls in Term 1 |
| Good Friday | 18 April | Friday | Holiday | During Term 2 |
| Family Day | 21 April | Monday | Holiday | Long weekend |
| Freedom Day | 27 April | Sunday | Weekend | Observed on Monday 28 April |
| Workers’ Day | 1 May | Thursday | Holiday | May long weekend |
| Youth Day | 16 June | Monday | Holiday | End of Term 2 |
| National Women’s Day | 9 August | Saturday | Weekend | No school impact |
| Heritage Day | 24 September | Wednesday | Holiday | Term 3 |
| Day of Reconciliation | 16 December | Tuesday | Holiday | After schools close |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Thursday | Holiday | After Term 4 ends |
| Day of Goodwill | 26 December | Friday | Holiday | Festive period |
School Breaks and Mid-Term Holidays 2025
Apart from public holidays, schools will also enjoy short breaks between terms and during the year:
Inland Schools – Key Breaks
- Term 1 Break: 29 March – 7 April
- Winter Holiday: 21 June – 14 July
- Spring Break: 20 September – 29 September
- Year-End Break: Begins 6 December 2025
Coastal Schools – Key Breaks
- Term 1 Break: 29 March – 7 April
- Winter Holiday: 21 June – 14 July
- Spring Break: 20 September – 29 September
- Year-End Break: Begins 6 December 2025
Total Teaching Days and Curriculum Adjustment Plan
In 2025, the Department has ensured that teaching time is maximized without overburdening learners. Here’s how teaching days have been distributed.
| Term | Teaching Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 53 | Slightly longer start for inland |
| Term 2 | 49 | Includes Easter break and public holidays |
| Term 3 | 48 | Includes Heritage Day |
| Term 4 | 49 | Ends earlier to allow year-end exams |
| Total | 199 | DBE target met |
This adjustment is part of the national academic recovery framework to cover backlogs and ensure learners remain competitive.
What Parents and Schools Should Do Now
With the dates confirmed, schools and families can begin planning academic activities, travel, and personal schedules. The DBE recommends the following:
- Print and share the calendar with all parents and staff.
- Plan school events, assessments, and outings around the calendar.
- Avoid booking vacations during term time to avoid absenteeism.
- Use holiday breaks for revision or extra learning where needed.
Parents should also monitor DBE announcements for any regional disruptions due to weather, elections, or national emergencies.
Where to Find Official Resources and Contact Details
For further assistance, inquiries, or to download provincial calendars in PDF format, contact the following:
Department of Basic Education (DBE)
- Website: www.education.gov.za
- Email: [email protected]
- Helpline: 0800 202 933
- Address: 222 Struben Street, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:00 to 16:00
You may also check with your Provincial Education Department for localized school dates, policy updates, or transport arrangements.
Final 2025 Term Date Summary Table (All Provinces)
| Region | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Total Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inland | 15 Jan – 28 Mar | 8 Apr – 20 Jun | 15 Jul – 19 Sep | 30 Sep – 5 Dec | 199 |
| Coastal | 22 Jan – 28 Mar | 8 Apr – 20 Jun | 15 Jul – 19 Sep | 30 Sep – 5 Dec | 199 |
While the calendar is expected to remain unchanged, the Department may issue official updates if unforeseen circumstances arise.
The 2025 school calendar brings much-needed clarity and uniformity across all provinces. With strategic planning, schools and families can work together to maximize learning outcomes and create a supportive academic environment for South African learners. Any changes to this calendar will be formally communicated through official DBE channels.
FAQs of New Term Dates
Q1: When does school start in 2025 for inland provinces?
A: Inland schools start on 15 January 2025.
Q2: Are there differences between inland and coastal school calendars?
A: Yes, inland schools open a week earlier than coastal schools, but end at the same time.
Q3: How many teaching days are there in 2025?
A: There are a total of 199 official teaching days for the 2025 academic year.
Q4: Can holidays change later in the year?
A: Yes, the Department may revise the calendar in case of national emergencies or other factors.
Q5: Where can I get the full school calendar in PDF?
A: Visit www.education.gov.za or contact your provincial education department.