Here is when school closes, ending the first term

The long wait for a school break for pupils is nearly here, with the first term of the year set to end on Friday, 27 March 2026. According to the department of basic education (DBE) school calendar, the second term will commence on Wednesday, 8 April 2026. Public school students across all provinces will have a week to rest before heading into the term filled with a ton of exams.

This period allows pupils to recharge ahead of another academic stretch which will run until 26 June 2026. During the school holiday week most South Africans will celebrate Easter, with Good Friday celebrated on 3 April, Easter Sunday on 5 April and Family Day on Monday, 6 April 2026. Pupils will get another break two weeks after school opens, getting a long weekend from Friday, 24 April 2026 and will return on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.

They will attend school for three days, receiving another break on Friday, 1 May 2026 as it is a public holiday. Here’s the2026 school calendarto help parents plan ahead. NOW READ:TVET and university courses must match labour market needs, says Manamela