Independent Schools of South Africa Calendar School Dates

Posted on December 10, 2025

There are no universal term dates or calendars that apply to all independent schools in South Africa. Many independent schools follow the public school calendar, while others follow an association calendar. Some have their own specific calendars.

The Central Region calendar (Gauteng, Free State, North West and Northern Cape) is a guideline provided by ISASA for ISASA member schools.

Always refer to your specific school’s posted dates to update your free, printable calendar.

download the school year calendar for planning

Get Your Free, Colourful 2026 Independent School Calendar – Ready to Print!

Yearly & Monthly

Stay ahead of the school year with our bright and easy-to-use 2026 South Africa school calendars! Perfect for busy parents, it includes all the term dates, public holidays, and school breaks you need to stay ahead of the game. Beautifully designed to make planning simple and fun.

Why You'll Love This Calendar

Bright, family-friendly design that makes planning holidays enjoyable
All key dates included: school terms, public holidays, and special holidays
Printable PDF: perfect for the fridge, wall, or desk
Nationwide relevance: aligned with official South Africa school dates

Independent Schools Term Dates

At-a-Glance: School Terms	Public & Special School Holidays at a Glance
Term 1 14 January – 27 March Term 2 14 April – 26 June Term 3 21 July – 23 September Term 4 13 October – 02 December	New Year’s Day – 1 Jan Human Rights Day – 21 Mar Good Friday – 03 Apr Family Day – 06 Apr Freedom Day – 27 Apr Workers' Day – 1 May Youth Day – 16 Jun National Women’s Day – 9 Aug Heritage Day – 24 Sep Day of Reconciliation – 16 Dec Christmas Day – 25 Dec Day of Goodwill – 26 Dec

What’s Inside Each Download?

Colourful, family-friendly designs
Links to important labels4school information
Official 2026 South Africa term dates
Public holidays, school breaks, and key observances
Print-ready PDFs perfect for home and work

Download Your 2026 School Calendar for Free!

Choose the calendar that best suits your needs, choose from private or government school dates, in full-year or month-by-month printable formats

The 4 Term Calendar

🗓️ [Download Private School – Year View]
🗓️ [Download Private School – Month View]

The 3 Term Calendar

🗓️ [Download Private School – Year View]
🗓️ [Download Private School – Month View]

Public school calendar click here

No matter which version you choose, our colourful and practical 2026 school calendars are your go-to planning tool. Stick it on the fridge, slip it into your planner, or pin it to your noticeboard - it’s made for real family life!

Schools go back from 14 January 2026

Did You Know? About These South African Holidays

🗓️ New Year’s Day – 1 January

Start the year fresh! New Year’s Day is a public holiday celebrating the beginning of the calendar year—schools are always closed.

🗽 Human Rights Day – 21 March

Honours the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 and promotes the importance of human rights for all South Africans.

✝️ Good Friday – April

Part of the Easter weekend, Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. It’s one of the most widely observed public holidays.

👨👩👧 Family Day – April

The Monday following Easter Sunday—designed to encourage family time and rest after the Easter weekend.

🕊️ Freedom Day – 27 April

Marks the first democratic election in South Africa in 1994. Since it falls on a Sunday in 2025, Monday the 28th becomes a public holiday.

🛠️ Workers' Day – 1 May

Celebrates the contributions of workers and labour movements globally—also signals a break in Term 2.

🎓 Youth Day – 16 June

Commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when thousands of students protested for better education. A deeply meaningful day for South African learners.

🌸 National Women’s Day – 9 August

Remembers the 1956 women’s march against apartheid pass laws. Celebrates women’s strength and role in shaping the country.

🧡 Heritage Day – 24 September

Also known as “Braai Day,” this holiday celebrates South Africa’s diverse cultures, languages, and traditions.

🤝 Day of Reconciliation – 16 December

Promotes national unity and healing, bridging historical divides from the apartheid era.

🎄 Christmas Day – 25 December

A global Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus—observed across the country with family gatherings and gifts.

🎁 Day of Goodwill – 26 December

Originally known as Boxing Day, this holiday encourages giving to those in need. It’s also a much-needed day to relax after Christmas festivities.

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