South African pupils are entering the final weeks of the second school term, with winter school holidays set to begin at the end of June.
While many learners recently enjoyed the additional public holiday linked to Youth Day, attention is now turning to the upcoming winter break and the remaining school calendar dates for 2026.
According to the Department of Basic Education’s official school calendar, schools will close for the second term on Friday, 26 June 2026. Learners will then begin a three-week winter holiday before returning to classrooms on Tuesday, 21 July 2026.
For parents, learners and educators, the approaching break offers an opportunity to plan ahead for the remainder of the academic year.
Winter Holidays Begin at the End of June
The second term officially ends on Friday, 26 June 2026.
Schools across South Africa will then close for the winter holidays from:
- Saturday, 27 June 2026
- Monday, 20 July 2026
Learners will return for the start of the third term on:
- Tuesday, 21 July 2026
The winter break remains one of the longest school holidays on the academic calendar and comes after a busy second term that included Freedom Day, Workers’ Day and Youth Day.
Third Term Will Be Shorter Than Second Term
Once schools reopen in July, learners will move into the third term, which runs until September.
Key third-term dates include:
- Schools reopen: 21 July 2026
- Schools close: 23 September 2026
- Heritage Day holiday: 24 September 2026
The third term is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the school year as schools prepare for final assessments and examinations.
Final School Term Starts in October
Following the September holiday period, learners will return for the fourth and final term of the year.
Fourth term dates are:
- Schools reopen: 6 October 2026
- Schools close: 9 December 2026
For matric learners, the fourth term coincides with the National Senior Certificate examinations.
Key School Calendar Dates Remaining in 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 26 June 2026 | Second Term Ends |
| 27 June – 20 July 2026 | Winter School Holidays |
| 21 July 2026 | Third Term Begins |
| 23 September 2026 | Third Term Ends |
| 24 September 2026 | Heritage Day |
| 6 October 2026 | Fourth Term Begins |
| 9 December 2026 | Schools Close for 2026 |
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng families, the approaching winter school holidays may influence travel plans, childcare arrangements and family activities during the three-week break.
The holiday period is also expected to increase visitor numbers at museums, heritage sites, family attractions, parks and tourism destinations across the province.
Many Gauteng attractions typically introduce special programmes and activities during school holidays, making it one of the busiest periods for the tourism and leisure sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do schools close for the winter holidays in 2026?
Schools close on Friday, 26 June 2026.
When do learners return to school?
The third term begins on Tuesday, 21 July 2026.
How long are the winter school holidays?
The winter holiday period runs from 27 June to 20 July 2026.
When does the third term end?
The third term ends on 23 September 2026.
When do schools close for the year?
The 2026 school year ends on 9 December 2026.
Looking Ahead
With the second term nearing its conclusion, parents and learners can begin preparing for the winter break and the remainder of the academic year.
The Department of Basic Education’s calendar shows that schools will reopen in July before learners complete the final two terms leading up to the end of the 2026 school year.
