School calendar: When does Term 4 end?

Public school learners across South Africa have less than four weeks of classes left before the 2026 academic year comes to an end.

According to the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) official 2026 school calendar, public schools will close for the year on Wednesday, 9 December.

The closing date marks the end of a busy final term for learners, teachers and parents, with many schools now in the middle of year-end examinations.

When does Term 4 end?

Term 4 started on Tuesday, 6 October and runs for 10 weeks. The DBE’s calendar shows that Term 4 has 47 calendar days, all of which count as school days because the term has no public holidays.

Teachers will stay on slightly longer than learners. The calendar gives educators two additional administrative days, which extend their school year to 11 December.

The same dates apply to public schools in every province, including those in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and the West Rand.

For reference, the full 2026 public school calendar runs as follows: Term 1 from 14 January to 27 March, Term 2 from 8 April to 26 June, Term 3 from 21 July to 23 September, and Term 4 from 6 October to 9 December. ; Term 2 from 8 April to 26 June; Term 3 from 21 July to 23 September;

The first national public holiday after teaching ends is the Day of Reconciliation on Wednesday, 16 December.

What about private schools?

Parents with children at independent schools may see an earlier closing date. Guidelines from the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) show independent schools concluding the year on 4 December.

However, no single calendar applies to every independent school in South Africa. Many follow the public-school calendar, others follow an association calendar, and some set their own dates.

Parents whose children attend private schools should confirm dates directly with their schools.

When do schools reopen in 2027?

Learners will enjoy just over a month off before returning to class. The DBE’s published 2027 calendar shows Term 1 running from 13 January to 19 March.

Meanwhile, matric learners are still working through their final papers. The class of 2026 began writing their National Senior Certificate final examinations on Tuesday, 13 October.