School Holiday – In a surprise announcement, the Department of Basic Education has officially moved the start date of the July 2025 school holidays. Initially expected to begin at the end of the month, the break will now start earlier — on Monday, 22 July 2025. This decision, confirmed by departmental spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga, comes in response to growing concerns from parents, unions, and educational stakeholders about learner burnout, transport constraints, and national curriculum adjustments. The revised school calendar for July 2025 includes multiple changes affecting both public and private schools across all provinces. The updated calendar provides earlier relief for over 13 million learners and more than 450,000 educators who were reportedly under pressure due to the extended school term earlier this year. While the new holiday schedule is being welcomed by most parent groups and teachers, some educators have raised concerns about the ripple effects this adjustment may have on teaching time and the final exam preparations for Grade 12 learners. The department has addressed these concerns by promising additional academic support and a restructured timetable for the rest of the academic year. To help parents and guardians plan ahead, the Education Department has also released a province-wise breakdown of the holiday period and updated return-to-school dates. This comes at a time when transport operators, hostel facilities, and school suppliers are already scrambling to adjust their schedules in line with the revised dates. Below is a detailed breakdown of all the important changes, timelines, and province-specific adjustments you need to know.
What’s Changing in the July 2025 School Holiday?
The changes were made to relieve pressure on learners and educators after an intense second term. Here’s what’s new:
- July holidays will now start on Monday, 22 July 2025, instead of the previously expected 29 July.
- All provinces are required to adhere to the new calendar.
- Grade 12s will receive catch-up support through online platforms and additional class time.
- Schools will reopen earlier in August to compensate for the shifted holiday.
- Hostel and scholar transport services are being re-coordinated.
- Final exam schedules are under review to avoid overlaps.
- Private schools are encouraged to align with the new calendar.
New National School Holiday Timetable – July to August 2025
Here is the official updated national schedule as released by the Department of Basic Education:
| Event | Original Date | New Date | Applies To | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| End of Term 2 | 26 July 2025 | 19 July 2025 | All Grades | One-week early closure |
| Start of July Holiday | 29 July 2025 | 22 July 2025 | All Schools | Full week gained |
| Reopening for Term 3 | 13 August 2025 | 5 August 2025 | All Schools | Return brought forward by 8 days |
| Grade 12 Mock Exams Begin | 26 August 2025 | 2 September 2025 | Grade 12 Only | Slightly delayed |
| Curriculum Recovery Classes | N/A | 29 July–3 August 2025 | Grade 12 Focused | Optional, strongly encouraged |
| Hostel Transport Updates | 27–28 July 2025 | 20–21 July 2025 | Boarding Schools | Confirmed by DBE |
| Private Schools | As per internal plans | Recommend Alignment | Independent Schools | Strongly encouraged by Department |
Reasons Behind the Calendar Shift
The department cited multiple reasons for this urgent adjustment. Here are the key factors:
- Burnout concerns raised by teachers and learners due to an extended academic schedule.
- High absenteeism rates reported in the last two weeks of July in past years.
- Winter transport challenges affecting rural learners in provinces like Eastern Cape and Limpopo.
- Health concerns raised by parents regarding flu season overlap with class schedules.
- Pressure from teachers’ unions and school governing bodies across multiple provinces.
Academic Catch-Up Support for Grade 12 Learners
The Department of Basic Education has committed to academic support for matric learners, especially those in under-resourced schools.
- Special holiday study camps to be hosted in 9 provinces.
- Digital content via the DBE TV channel and SABC education platforms.
- Mobile teacher support units launched in North West, Northern Cape, and Free State.
- Extended library and ICT lab hours in township schools.
- Recorded revision sessions uploaded weekly on the Thutong Portal.
Provincial Adjustments for the New Calendar
Each province has minor logistical changes to accommodate the shift. Here is a comparative table showing regional variations:
| Province | New Closure Date | New Opening Date | Hostel Changes | Notified Transport Bodies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 19 July | 5 August | Yes | Putco, Gautrain |
| Western Cape | 19 July | 5 August | Yes | Golden Arrow |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 20 July | 6 August | Yes | KZN Department of Transport |
| Eastern Cape | 18 July | 5 August | Yes | Mayibuye Transport |
| Limpopo | 19 July | 5 August | Yes | Seshego Taxi Association |
| North West | 20 July | 6 August | Yes | Department Communique |
| Mpumalanga | 19 July | 5 August | Yes | City Link |
| Northern Cape | 19 July | 5 August | Yes | Arrive Alive Northern |
| Free State | 20 July | 6 August | Yes | Mangaung Municipal Dept |
How Parents Should Prepare for the Early Break
Parents are advised to act quickly to adapt their household schedules and child-care plans. Here’s a list of urgent actions:
- Notify child-care providers about the new dates.
- Check with schools about Grade 12 catch-up classes or special programs.
- Reschedule any vacation or family trips.
- Verify hostel and transport bookings for earlier departures and returns.
- Ensure learners have access to online learning tools during the break.
Impact on National Curriculum and Exam Timetables
This shift in dates has led to a wider realignment of academic activities, especially for critical exam grades.
- Mock exams for Grade 12 will now begin a week later.
- Internal term assessments for Grades 4–11 will be restructured.
- Subject heads and curriculum advisors are reworking teaching timetables.
- The term will remain the same length — reopening earlier in August balances the shift.
Department’s Contact Information for Queries
Parents, educators, and stakeholders can reach out to the Department of Basic Education for questions or complaints regarding the revised calendar.
Department of Basic Education Contact Details:
- Toll-Free Number: 0800 202 933
- Email: [email protected]
- Official Website: www.education.gov.za
- Physical Address: 222 Struben Street, Pretoria, 0001
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00
Please allow 24–48 hours for email responses due to high volumes.
Support from Teacher Unions and Stakeholders
The calendar shift has received mixed reactions from unions and school bodies.
- SADTU and NAPTOSA have publicly supported the change for learner wellbeing.
- Independent Schools Association has advised schools to evaluate before aligning.
- Parent organizations like SAPA have praised the early announcement for planning.
- Some rural schools have requested funding support for last-minute hostel and meal planning.
Despite the disruptions, the department maintains that this decision was essential for learner health and academic performance.
This new calendar adjustment might come as a surprise to many, but it’s a calculated move to improve learner outcomes and ease the pressure on schools. Parents are urged to respond proactively and ensure their children are informed and supported throughout the early break. With proper planning, the transition to the new dates can be smooth and beneficial for all involved.
FAQs of School Holiday
1. When do the July 2025 school holidays start now?
The holidays will begin on Monday, 22 July 2025 for all provinces.
2. Why was the school calendar changed so suddenly?
To reduce burnout among learners and teachers, especially after an extended Term 2.
3. Are Grade 12 exams affected by this change?
Yes, the mock exams will start a week later, and extra study support will be provided.
4. Will private schools also follow the new dates?
They are encouraged to align but are not legally required to do so.
5. Where can I get more information about these changes?
Contact the Department of Basic Education at 0800 202 933 or visit www.education.gov.za.