School Calendar 2026: Key Dates to Remember

Key Takeaways:

• The 2026 school year in South Africa will start on January 14, 2026, and end on December 9, 2026.
• All provinces will follow the same school calendar, with the first term starting on January 14, 2026, and ending on March 27, 2026.
• The school year will be divided into four terms, with breaks in between, and public holidays will be observed on specific dates.
• Parents are advised to prepare their children for the new school year by establishing healthy routines, building excitement through conversation, and supporting emotional well-being.
• Education specialists recommend reading, resetting learning spaces, and prioritizing rest and emotional balance to ensure a smooth transition back to school.

Introduction to the 2026 School Year
The countdown to the 2026 school year has officially begun, with parents across South Africa preparing for the new academic year. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed that public schools will reopen on January 14, 2026, marking the start of a new era in the country’s education system. A new-look calendar for 2026 has been gazetted, which will see all provinces starting and ending the school year at the same time, eliminating the previous staggered calendar system.

The New School Calendar
The new school calendar for 2026 has been released, providing parents with a clear outline of the upcoming academic year. The first term will start on January 14, 2026, and end on March 27, 2026, with school holidays scheduled from March 28 to April 7, 2026. The second term will commence on April 8, 2026, and conclude on June 26, 2026, with public holidays observed on Freedom Day (April 27, 2026), Workers’ Day (May 1, 2026), and Youth Day (June 16, 2026). The third term will start on July 21, 2026, and end on September 23, 2026, with school holidays from September 24 to October 5, 2026. The final term will begin on October 6, 2026, and end on December 9, 2026, with public holidays on Day of Reconciliation (December 16, 2026), Christmas Day (December 25, 2026), and Day of Goodwill (December 26, 2026).

Preparing for the Return to School
With the back-to-school rush fast approaching, education specialists warn that leaving preparations to the final days of the holiday could make the transition harder for children. Inspired Education South Africa’s education and ethos liaison, Lionel Botha, advises parents to treat December as a "gentle window" to set children up for a smoother start in January. Establishing healthy routines, such as predictable sleep and daily habits, can help ease children back into structure before the holidays end. Parents are also encouraged to speak openly with their children about the year ahead, discussing new teachers, subjects, friendships, and goals to reduce anxiety and build confidence.

Tips for a Smooth Transition
Botha recommends several strategies to ensure a smooth transition back to school. Reading remains one of the easiest ways to keep young minds active without turning the holidays into additional schoolwork. Reading strengthens vocabulary, concentration, and imagination, and can be done through novels, comics, or non-fiction. Resetting learning spaces, such as cleaning and organizing desks and backpacks, can also have a powerful psychological effect on children preparing for a new grade. Additionally, supporting emotional well-being by prioritizing rest, outdoor play, and relaxed conversations can help build resilience and emotional balance.

Conclusion
With schools reopening on January 14, 2026, parents are advised to take small steps to prepare their children for the new academic year. By establishing healthy routines, building excitement through conversation, and supporting emotional well-being, parents can make a significant difference in their child’s transition back to school. The new school calendar for 2026 provides a clear outline of the upcoming academic year, and by following the tips and strategies recommended by education specialists, parents can ensure a smooth and successful start to the new school year. As the countdown to the 2026 school year continues, parents are encouraged to stay ahead of the game and make the most of the remaining holiday period to prepare their children for the exciting year ahead.