South Africa School Term – The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially announced a shift in the 2025 school calendar, confirming that the spring holidays will now begin on 23 September instead of the earlier planned dates. This update has brought a wave of mixed reactions from parents, educators, and learners, many of whom had already planned their schedules around the initial calendar. The decision, according to the DBE, was taken after a comprehensive review of term workloads, national assessment timelines, and provincial consultations. While the adjustment might seem minor, it significantly impacts school operations, planned academic activities, and family vacations. The DBE has assured that all stakeholders were consulted prior to the decision, including teacher unions and school governing bodies. It is also important to note that this adjustment applies to all public schools across the country. For families, especially those who have pre-booked travel or need to make alternative childcare arrangements, this change can be challenging. Schools are also expected to revise their internal exam schedules, extra-curricular events, and transport logistics accordingly. In this article, we’ll cover all the key details about the rescheduled school term, explain the reasons behind the change, and help parents, learners, and educators plan ahead with full clarity.
Key Changes in the South Africa School Term
The most important change is the revised date for the start of the spring holidays. Let’s look at the before-and-after schedule comparison.
Revised Term Dates Summary
Below is a table highlighting the comparison between the original and newly revised term calendar for Term 3 and Term 4:
| Term | Previous Start Date | New Start Date | Previous End Date | New End Date | Total Days | Public Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 3 | 15 July 2025 | No Change | 20 September 2025 | 20 September 2025 | 50 days | 1 |
| Spring Break | 21 September 2025 | 23 September 2025 | 1 October 2025 | 1 October 2025 | 9 days | 1 |
| Term 4 | 2 October 2025 | No Change | 10 December 2025 | 10 December 2025 | 48 days | 2 |
This minor shift moves the holiday start date by 2 days and aligns it better with national event schedules and internal term assessments.
Why the Department Made the Change
The Department of Basic Education has outlined several practical reasons for adjusting the school calendar.
- Assessment Conflicts: National and provincial assessment schedules were overlapping with the original term dates.
- Administrative Planning: Schools needed additional time to finalise marks and prepare term-end reports.
- Operational Efficiency: Public transport availability, especially in rural areas, was better suited to the revised schedule.
- Public Holiday Clashes: The original calendar risked overlapping with public holidays, impacting effective school days.
Internal Stakeholder Consultations
According to the DBE, the calendar revision was not a unilateral decision. The following stakeholders were involved:
- Provincial Education Departments
- School Governing Bodies
- Teacher Unions (SADTU, NAPTOSA)
- Curriculum Advisors
- Transport Coordination Units
This collaborative approach ensured that the revised calendar would work uniformly across provinces.
Impact on Parents and Learners
While the calendar shift might appear small, it carries logistical and financial implications for households across South Africa.
Adjustments Parents May Need to Make
- Rescheduling pre-booked family holidays
- Re-arranging after-school programs and transport pickups
- Adjusting childcare services for younger children
- Replanning revision and tutoring schedules for students
How Learners Are Affected
- Internal test and assessment dates might change
- Revised deadlines for assignments or projects
- Extracurricular events like sports days may be moved
- Less overlap with upcoming public holidays means more focused academic time
Updated Public and Private School Comparison
It’s important to note that while public schools are bound by the DBE calendar, many private institutions have flexibility in their schedules.
| School Type | Calendar Binding | Can Reschedule Holidays? | Must Follow DBE? | Expected to Align? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| IEB Private Schools | No | Yes | No | Partially |
| Cambridge Schools | No | Yes | No | No |
Key Differences Between Public and Private Calendars
- Private schools may still observe their originally scheduled holidays.
- DBE encourages alignment, especially where external examinations are concerned.
- Parents with children in different schooling systems may need to plan differently.
What Schools Are Expected to Do
Schools are required to update their internal calendars, notify parents, and revise lesson plans accordingly.
DBE’s Official School Action Guidelines
- Notify all stakeholders via SMS/email/circular by 31 July 2025.
- Update internal exam dates and assessment deadlines.
- Realign extra-curricular activities to fit new break period.
- Coordinate with district offices for transport schedule changes.
Additional Guidance to Principals
The DBE has issued the following advice:
- Be flexible with learners impacted by the calendar change.
- Avoid overloading learners with pre-break academic pressure.
- Encourage teachers to adapt teaching plans with minimal disruption.
Departmental Contact Details for Assistance
If you have concerns or questions about the revised school calendar, you can reach out to the following officials:
| Contact Person | Position | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Elijah Mhlanga | Chief Director, Communications (DBE) | [email protected] | 012 357 3000 |
| Ms. Thandiwe Zulu | Calendar Planning Coordinator (DBE) | [email protected] | 012 357 3700 |
| Provincial DBE Office | Local Support Contact | Use provincial directory | Varies by region |
You can also visit the official website at www.education.gov.za for further information and downloadable updated calendars.
The Department of Basic Education’s decision aims to improve academic planning and national uniformity, though it may temporarily inconvenience families and learners. All stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and work together to ensure a smooth transition to the revised term schedule.
FAQs of South Africa School Term
Q1: When will the spring holidays start in 2025?
A1: The spring holidays will begin on 23 September 2025, as per the revised DBE calendar.
Q2: Are private schools affected by this change?
A2: Not necessarily. Private schools may choose to follow their own academic calendars.
Q3: Will internal exams be rescheduled too?
A3: Yes, schools are expected to realign internal assessments based on the new dates.
Q4: What if a parent already booked a holiday?
A4: Parents should contact schools directly to discuss possible arrangements or academic support.
Q5: Where can I find the updated school calendar?
A5: You can download the revised calendar from the DBE’s official website at www.education.gov.za.