The Department of Education has announced the proposed school calendar for 2025. The academic year begins on 15 January 2025 and concludes on 12 December 2025. Here’s an overview of the key dates and important details to help you prepare for the year ahead.
South African School Calendar 2025
The 2025 school calendar offers a well-structured schedule for learners, balancing academic commitments with breaks and public holidays. Here’s a breakdown of the key information for public schools:
- Total weeks: 43
- School days: 200 (204 including special school holidays)
- Public holidays: 6 (plus 3 additional school holidays)
- Administration days: 4
The inclusion of three extra holidays stems from the Public Holidays Act of 1994, which provides a Monday off if a public holiday falls on a Sunday. This adjustment allows learners and teachers additional time to rest and recharge.
Key Dates for Public Schools
Term 1
- Administration days: 13–14 January 2025
- Start date: 15 January 2025
- End date: 28 March 2025
- Public holidays:
- New Year’s Day: 1 January 2025
- Human Rights Day: 21 March 2025
- School holidays: 29 March – 7 April 2025
Term 2
- Start date: 8 April 2025
- End date: 27 June 2025
- Public holidays:
- Good Friday: 18 April 2025
- Family Day: 21 April 2025
- Freedom Day: 27 April 2025
- Workers’ Day: 1 May 2025
- Youth Day: 16 June 2025
- Special school holidays: 28 June – 21 July 2025
- School holidays: 28 June – 8 July 2025
Term 3
- Start date: 22 July 2025
- End date: 3 October 2025
- Public holidays:
- Women’s Day: 9 August 2025
- Heritage Day: 24 September 2025
- School holidays: 6–10 October 2025
Term 4
- Start date: 13 October 2025
- End date: 10 December 2025
- Administration days: 11–12 December 2025
- Public holidays:
- Day of Reconciliation: 16 December 2025
- Christmas Day: 25 December 2025
- Day of Goodwill: 26 December 2025
Independent Schools (IEB)
Independent schools (IEB) may follow different calendars. While many align with the public school schedule, others use region-specific or custom calendars. For example, the ISASA Central Region Calendar applies to schools in Gauteng, Free State, North West, and Northern Cape, though adoption is optional.
Summary of 2025 Academic Year
- Term 1: 15 January – 28 March (11 weeks, 53 days, 1 public holiday)
- Term 2: 8 April – 27 June (12 weeks, 59 days, 7 public holidays)
- Term 3: 22 July – 3 October (11 weeks, 54 days, 1 public holiday)
- Term 4: 13 October – 10 December (9 weeks, 43 days)
- Total: 43 weeks, 209 days (213 with administration days), 6+3 public holidays
Get Ready for 2025
With this calendar, learners, teachers, and parents can start planning to maximize the academic year. From studies to holidays, staying organized will ensure a productive and balanced school year.