Here’s When Term 3 Starts and the June-July School Holidays End in South Africa for 2025 and 2026
SA School Calendar: As winter gives way to longer days and brighter mornings, parents, students, and teachers alike start asking the same essential question: When do the June-July holidays end, and when does Term 3 begin? Whether you’re planning a final family getaway, prepping for stationery shopping, or just curious about the academic timeline, we’ve got the latest from the Department of Basic Education for both 2025 and 2026.
2025 School Calendar
📚 Term 3 Start Dates at a Glance
- In 2025, Term 3 officially begins on Tuesday, 22 July 2025.
- In 2026, Term 3 starts earlier, on Tuesday, 21 July 2026.
So, mark your calendars: the mid-year holidays wrap up just before these dates, and it’s back to school right after!
Recap of 2025 School Calendar
According to the Department of Basic Education, the 2025 school year unfolds across four terms. Here’s how Term 3 fits in:
- Term 1: 15 January – 28 March
- Term 2: 8 April – 27 June
- Mid-Year Holidays: 28 June – 21 July
- Term 3: 22 July – 3 October
- Number of School Days in Term 3: 53
- Public Holiday: Heritage Day (24 September)
This means learners enjoy approximately three weeks of winter holiday before gearing up for Term 3’s 11-week academic stretch.
What About 2026?
For those looking ahead:
- Term 1: 14 January – 27 March
- Term 2: 8 April – 26 June
- Mid-Year Holidays: 27 June – 20 July
- Term 3: 21 July – 23 September
- Number of School Days in Term 3: 46
- Public Holiday: Women’s Day observed on 10 August
Note: Term 3 in 2026 is slightly shorter than in 2025, spanning only 10 weeks and ending just before the Heritage Day period.
Why These Dates Matter
Whether you’re a parent scheduling a family trip, a teacher prepping the syllabus, or a student counting down to exam season, knowing the Term 3 start date helps with:
- Booking affordable travel before the rush
- Avoiding last-minute back-to-school stress
- Planning revision or extra lessons
- Managing term breaks around public holidays
Understanding Public Holidays and Special School Breaks
Public holidays during Term 3 are minimal, with only Heritage Day (24 Sept) falling within the term in 2025. This keeps Term 3 relatively uninterrupted-perfect for academic focus and mid-year assessments.
Summary Table: Term 3 Overview
| Year | Term 3 Start | Term 3 End | Weeks | Actual School Days | Public Holiday(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 22 July | 3 Oct | 11 | 53 | 9 Aug (Women’s Day) |
Final Bell: Plan Ahead, Stress Less
South Africa’s school calendar is more than just dates-it’s the rhythm of the year for millions of households. With Term 3 kicking off in late July in both 2025 and 2026, now is the time to prepare: sharpen the pencils, dust off the uniforms, and get those lunchboxes ready. From winter chill to classroom thrill, Term 3 is coming-and with it, new opportunities to learn and grow.
Also read: Top 10 Amazing Things to Do When You Visit Harties During The Holidays
