The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed the key dates for the 2025 school calendar, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Key changes for 2025 include an earlier start, with public schools opening on 15 January, closing on 10 December, and three special holidays. This adds up to 200 instructional days.
This marks a two-day earlier start than in 2024, when schools opened on 17 January.
The 2025 calendar includes 27 school holidays, up from 25 in 2024, with fewer holidays than the 32 in 2023 and 33 in 2022.
Previously, inland schools started in the second week of January, with coastal schools following in the third week.
National Department of Basic Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said this was done to minimise traffic congestion on roads.
The Department of Basic Education has added three special holidays in 2025 due to the Public Holidays Act.
These fall on 29, 30 April and 2 May, with Worker’s Day on 1 May, effectively creating a full week of school holidays.
The 2025 school calendar for public schools will run as follows:
Term 1:
- Schools start: 15 January 2025
- Schools close: 28 March 2025
- Public holidays: New Year’s Day (1 January 2025), Human Rights Day (21 March 2025)
- School holidays: 29 March to 7 April 2025
Term 2:
- Schools start: 8 April 2025
- Schools close: 17 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: 29 April to 2 May 2025
- School holidays: 27 June to 21 July 2025
Term 3:
- Schools start: 22 July 2025
- Schools close: 3 October 2025
- Public holidays: National Women’s Day (9 August 2025), Heritage Day (24 September 2025)
- School holidays: 6 to 10 October 2025
Term 4:
- Schools start: 13 October 2025
- Schools close: 10 December 2025
- Administration days: 11 to 12 December 2025
- Public holidays: Day of Reconciliation (16 December 2025), Christmas Day (25 December 2025), Day of Goodwill (26 December 2025)
The Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) proposes that independent schools will have fewer school days than public schools, starting on 15 January 2025 and ending on 3 December. IEB schools often follow varied calendars, aligning with public schedules or adopting tailored ones.
Also read:
Stellenbosch University scientists spot rare siphonophore in False Bay
Picture: Unsplash
