School starts TOMORROW: Key Term 4 dates parents need to know

The September break is almost over. Public school learners across South Africa will return to class on Tuesday 6 October, for the fourth and final term of the 2026 academic year.

TERM FOUR IN FULL SWING

The Department of Basic Education’s calendar states that school will officially close on 9 December. A few calendar sites list 11 December instead. So check with your child’s school for its exact closing day. Independent and private schools often follow their own calendars, as the DBE calendar applies to public schools only.

For Grade 12 families, the big date is close. The written NSC exams begin on 13 October 2026 and end on 26 November. Subjects such as Life Orientation, Computer Applications Technology, Performing Arts and Visual Arts and Design may be written outside that window. Learners must arrive early with their admission letter and valid ID, and follow all exam rules strictly.

Results are expected in the new year. The release date for results is reportedly 15 January 2027. However, the Department of Basic Educatio will confirm the date.

Unlike earlier terms, Term 4 has no public holidays while schools are in session. The year-end holidays fall after classes finish:

• Day of Reconciliation: 16 December
• Christmas Day: 25 December
• Day of Goodwill: 26 December

WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW

Term 4 is short and busy. Many schools run final assessments, exams, concerts, prize-givings and sports days before closing. Younger learners often need a gentle return to routine after the break, including earlier bedtimes and a settled homework slot.

Make sure outstanding school fees, aftercare bookings and transport arrangements are in order. Parents of children moving to a new grade or school next year should also watch for admission and registration deadlines, which often fall late in the year.

Confirm uniform and stationery needs early. Shops get busy as the term picks up, and replacing a lost jersey in the final stretch is nobody’s idea of fun.