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School Terms in South Africa for 2025: What You Need to Know

As we head into 2025, parents, students, and educators across South Africa are gearing up for another year of learning. The school year in South Africa runs from January to December and is divided into four terms. Each term is followed by a well-structured holiday, with breaks thoughtfully timed to provide students with a balance of rest and study. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 school terms, public holidays, and how they’re aligned with key events throughout the year.

The 2025 School Terms in South Africa

In 2025, South African students will follow the standard school calendar divided into four terms. The dates for each term, along with the holidays in between, are as follows:

Term 1: January 15 – March 28

  • Start Date: January 15, 2025
  • End Date: March 28, 2025
  • The first term of the year kicks off in mid-January. Students will be focused on settling into their academic routines and getting a solid start to the year. This term typically sees a break in March/April around the Easter holiday.

Term 2: April 8 – June 27

  • Start Date: April 8, 2025
  • End Date: June 27, 2025
  • After a well-deserved Easter break, students return for the second term in April. The term will end in late June, followed by a three-week winter break. This break coincides with the June/July holiday, giving students time to rest and recharge for the second half of the year.

Term 3: July 22 – October 3

  • Start Date: July 22, 2025
  • End Date: October 3, 2025
  • The third term begins in mid-July after the winter break and stretches through until early October. During this period, students will focus on their final preparations for the year’s remaining academic goals. There will be a one-week holiday in September/October, giving students a short break to refresh before diving into the final term of the year.

Term 4: October 13 – December 10

  • Start Date: October 13, 2025
  • End Date: December 10, 2025
  • The final term of the year begins in mid-October and runs through to December. It is typically the busiest term, with exams and assessments taking place. The school year wraps up in early December, giving students a well-earned summer break of five to six weeks, allowing time for holidays and celebrations with family and friends.

Key School Holidays for 2025

The school holidays in South Africa are strategically placed around significant events and public holidays, giving students ample time to unwind and celebrate. Here are the key holiday periods in 2025:

March/April: Easter Break (Two Weeks)

  • Dates: March 28 – April 8
  • The Easter break provides a two-week holiday. Students get to enjoy the festivities of Easter and celebrate with their families. During this period, schools will be closed to allow for rest and rejuvenation.

June/July: Winter Holiday (Three Weeks)

  • Dates: June 27 – July 22
  • The winter break is a much-needed three-week rest, allowing students to recover after the first half of the year. This break also coincides with the mid-year exams for many schools, giving students time to revise and prepare before the second term begins.

September/October: One-Week Break

  • Dates: September 29 – October 6
  • The third term has a shorter, one-week holiday around Heritage Day (September 24), which falls in the latter half of the term. It’s a great opportunity for students to catch up on studies or take a short break.

December/January: Summer Holiday (Five to Six Weeks)

  • Dates: December 10, 2025 – January 15, 2026
  • The summer holiday is the longest holiday of the year, lasting five to six weeks. Students and families across South Africa enjoy the summer weather, with many taking the opportunity to travel or relax at home during the festive season.

Private Schools and Their Term System

In South Africa, most private schools follow a three-term system, which results in fewer school days than the public school system’s four-term calendar. This schedule typically has longer breaks between terms, providing students with more downtime. However, the three-term calendar can also mean that private school students spend less time in the classroom compared to their counterparts in public schools, who are on the four-term schedule.

2025 Public Holidays in South Africa

In addition to the school holidays, South Africa observes several public holidays throughout the year. Here’s a list of the key public holidays for 2025:

  • January 1: New Year’s Day
  • March 21: Human Rights Day
  • April 18: Good Friday*
  • April 21: Family Day
  • April 27: Freedom Day
  • April 28: Public holiday – Freedom Day
  • June 16: Youth Day
  • August 9: National Women’s Day
  • September 24: Heritage Day
  • December 16: Day of Reconciliation
  • December 25: Christmas Day
  • December 26: Day of Goodwill

These holidays provide additional opportunities for families and students to enjoy long weekends, especially during festive periods like Easter and Christmas.

Conclusion: Planning Ahead for 2025

With the school year in South Africa running from January to December, parents and students have ample time to plan ahead for holidays, academic work, and family activities. The structured break periods ensure that learners have a balanced academic year, while the public holidays give everyone the chance to celebrate important moments in the country’s history.

By keeping track of the school terms and public holidays for 2025, families can ensure that they stay organized and make the most of the year ahead. Whether you’re planning for the Easter break, enjoying the winter holidays, or looking forward to the summer holidays, the 2025 school year promises to be filled with growth, learning, and celebration!

Stay tuned for more updates on school terms, holidays, and important dates for the year ahead.

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