South African Schools Closing: The Department of Basic Education issued a news statement forecasting that all South African schools are expected to shut their doors on the 22nd of July 2025 and celebrate the mid-year winter holiday season. The holiday calendar went through changes so that pupils and teachers can experience a deserving break-and so in accordance with the national curriculum recovery plan.
New Update: South African learners are set to return to school on Tuesday, 22 July, as the third term of the 2025 academic year officially begins, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed.
2025 school New calendar
- Term 1: 15 January – 28 March (52 days)
- Term 2: 8 April – 27 June (52 days)
- Term 3: 22 July – 3 October (53 days)
- Term 4: 13 October – 10 December (43 days)
Mid-year Break: Important Dates
The previously planned 2025 calendar was amended to state that all public schools are start from Monday, 22 July, and will reopen for the holiday on Tuesday,3 October. Being a two-week break would give students and those employed in schools much-needed relief after having been crushed toward the end of the first few months of this academic year.
The Department went to emphasize that these dates apply to all provinces, though the private and independent schools may adhere to slightly varied schedules depending on their internal policies.
Reason for Change
The Department of Education specified one or more grounds for an adjustment to the school calendar:
- To achieve much better poetic lines with the academic terms
- A longer holiday during the cold winter must be provided, especially for the provinces affected by weather abnormalities
- To make time for teacher training and marking in preparation for term three
As a consequence, coordination of national and provincial assessments will be smoother, particularly for Grades 7, 9, and 12 learners.
Impact on Learners and Schools
This period serves as a much-needed break for much-welcomed rest and revision for those students sitting for final-year exams. The Department also encourages schools to open winter schools on a voluntary basis for mathematics, science, and literacy remediation.
Parents need to stay in touch with schools to be informed about any optional programs or where assignments will be set for their children over the holidays.
Looking Ahead
The Department has assured parents that this adjustment will not reduce the total number of school days in 2025. Catch-up plans will be rationally implemented, with additional session support integrated into the third and fourth terms to allow for academic progress.
Note: This information is given on the possible trends but recently the new schedule of the school has been updated.
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