Gauteng public school learners will return to classrooms on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, for the fourth and final term of the academic year. According to the Department of Basic Education’s official school calendar, the term will run for 10 weeks, with teaching ending on Wednesday, 9 December. Grade 12 learners will also begin their final National Senior Certificate examinations on 13 October, making the first weeks of the new term particularly important for matric candidates.
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When Do Gauteng Schools Reopen for Term 4?
The Department of Basic Education’s published calendar confirms that public schools will reopen on Tuesday, 6 October, following the September school holidays.
Term 3 ended on Wednesday, 23 September. The school holiday period runs from Thursday, 24 September to Monday, 5 October, giving learners a break before the final term begins.
The same dates apply to public schools across South Africa, including those in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and the West Rand. Independent schools may follow different calendars, so parents whose children attend private schools should confirm their return dates directly with their schools.
Gauteng School Calendar: Important Term 4 Dates
The following dates are taken from the Department of Basic Education’s published 2026 public school calendar and examination timetable.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Term 3 ends | Wednesday, 23 September 2026 |
| September school holidays begin | Thursday, 24 September 2026 |
| Final day of school holidays | Monday, 5 October 2026 |
| Term 4 begins | Tuesday, 6 October 2026 |
| Matric final examinations begin | Tuesday, 13 October 2026 |
| Teaching ends for public school learners | Wednesday, 9 December 2026 |
| Final school administration day | Friday, 11 December 2026 |
| Day of Reconciliation | Wednesday, 16 December 2026 |
The official calendar allocates 47 school days to learners during Term 4. There are no public holidays during the term. The calendar also provides two additional administration days for educators, extending their school year to 11 December.
Matric Final Examinations Begin on 13 October
The matric class of 2026 will begin writing the National Senior Certificate examinations on Tuesday, 13 October, one week after public schools reopen.
According to the Department of Basic Education’s official October and November examination timetable, the first examinations include Computer Applications Technology Paper 1 Practical, alongside several additional language papers.
On Wednesday, 14 October, candidates will write Information Technology Paper 1 Practical and additional language examinations. English Paper 3 follows on Thursday, 15 October.
The first examination week ends on Friday, 16 October, with Economics Paper 1, Mechanical Technology and Design Paper 1 scheduled. Learners must check the timetable for their registered subjects, examination times and paper durations.
Key Matric Examination Dates for October
The official examination timetable includes several major subjects during the second and third weeks of October.
| Date | Examination |
|---|---|
| Monday, 19 October | African language Paper 3 examinations and Agricultural Sciences Paper 1 |
| Tuesday, 20 October | Afrikaans Paper 3 and History Paper 1 |
| Wednesday, 21 October | Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana and other language Paper 3 examinations |
| Thursday, 22 October | Accounting Paper 1 |
| Friday, 23 October | Mathematics Paper 1 and Mathematical Literacy Paper 1 |
| Monday, 26 October | Mathematics Paper 2 and Mathematical Literacy Paper 2 |
| Wednesday, 28 October | English Paper 1 and Accounting Paper 2 |
| Friday, 30 October | Physical Sciences Paper 1 and Tourism |
The dates and subjects are drawn from the department’s published examination timetable. Candidates should use the complete timetable to confirm their examination sessions, including any afternoon papers.
When Will the 2026 Matric Exams End?
The examination timetable continues into November, with several subjects scheduled during the final full week of the examination period.
Agricultural Technology and Music Paper 1 Theory are scheduled for Monday, 23 November. Agricultural Management Practices, Marine Sciences Paper 2 and Dance Studies follow on Tuesday, 24 November.
Music Paper 2 Comprehension is scheduled for Wednesday, 25 November. The timetable also provides for Computer Applications Technology and Information Technology practical rewrites on Thursday, 26 November.
Matric candidates should note that their final examination date depends on their registered subjects. Schools and examination centres remain responsible for communicating examination arrangements to their candidates.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The reopening of public schools on 6 October means parents and guardians across Gauteng have just under two weeks between the end of Term 3 and the start of the final term.
Families who rely on school transport or aftercare services should confirm when those arrangements resume. Parents should also check school communications for any activities, assessments or administrative requirements scheduled for the first week.
For Grade 12 learners, the return to school comes only seven days before the first National Senior Certificate examinations. Candidates should use their official examination timetables to confirm the dates, starting times and venues for their subjects.
Parents of learners in other grades should note that Term 4 is shorter than some earlier terms. The official calendar allocates 47 school days before teaching ends on 9 December.
The Department of Basic Education’s published calendar applies to public schools nationally. Families whose children attend independent schools should use the calendar issued by their particular school.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Gauteng schools reopen for Term 4 in 2026?
Gauteng public schools reopen on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, according to the Department of Basic Education’s official school calendar.
When do the September school holidays end?
The September school holidays end on Monday, 5 October 2026. Public school learners return the following day.
When do Gauteng schools close for December 2026?
Teaching ends on Wednesday, 9 December 2026. The official calendar provides for educators’ administration days through Friday, 11 December.
When do the 2026 matric final examinations begin?
The National Senior Certificate examinations begin on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with Computer Applications Technology Paper 1 Practical and several additional language papers scheduled for the opening day.
Are there any public holidays during Term 4?
No. The official 2026 public school calendar lists no public holidays during Term 4. The next national public holiday after teaching ends is the Day of Reconciliation on Wednesday, 16 December.
Parents and Learners Prepare for the Final School Term
With Term 4 beginning on 6 October, Gauteng learners have 47 scheduled school days before the December holidays. For matric candidates, the final examination period begins just one week after schools reopen.
Parents and learners can consult the Department of Basic Education’s official 2026 public school calendar and 2026 National Senior Certificate examination timetable for the full dates and examination arrangements.
