When do schools reopen after the September-October holidays?

This September schools close for their third term break. Here’s when schools in South Africa will reopen for the start of the fourth term, which is the final term of the academic year.

TERM THREE TO END SOON

Term three will officially end on Wednesday 23 September 2026. This gives learners a spring break of just under two weeks before school resumes again for the fourth and final term of the year. This break also lines up with Heritage Day on 24 September, giving families an extended long weekend at the start of the holiday period.

So, when do learners go back to school for term four?

Term four runs from 6 October to 9 December, spanning a total of 10 weeks and 47 school days, with teachers completing their administrative duties slightly later, on 11 December. This is the only term in the 2026 calendar with zero scheduled public holidays. This means learners face an uninterrupted run through to the December break. Therefore, it is important or parents to mark exam and assessment dates early, since Term four typically carries the heaviest exam load of the year, including final matric exams for Grade 12 learners.

PUBLIC VS PRIVATE SCHOOLS

While public and government schools nationwide follow the Department of Basic Education’s official calendar, independent schools don’t always have the same timeline.

Schools that are affiliated with the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) generally align their opening dates with the public calendar but often run fewer total teaching days across the year, with some concluding the academic year earlier, typically around early December, compared to public schools.

Some private schools, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, follow a four-term system similar to government schools. However, others operate on a three-term structure with roughly 180 school days. Parents with children at independent or private schools should confirm exact reopening and closing dates directly with their school.

A CRUCIAL TERM AHEAD

With no public holidays to break up the term, Term four is often considered the most demanding stretch of the school year. This is not just because of final exams, but because it’s the run-up to end-of-year functions, sports finals, and matric farewells all landing in a compressed window.

Parents are often advised to plan study schedules and extracurricular commitments early in October, given how quickly the term accelerates toward December.