SCHOOL NEWS - Public school students across South Africa are approaching the end of the third term, with the 2026 academic year moving into its final stretch.
According to the official 2026 calendar for public schools, the third term ends on Wednesday, 23 September, giving students a break before the final term begins in October.
Third term ends in September
The third term began on Tuesday, 21 July and runs for 10 weeks, according to the calendar.
The calendar lists 23 September as the final day of the third term for public schools.
This is the day before the National Heritage Day public holiday on Thursday 24 September.
Final term starts in October
After the September break, students will return for the fourth and final term of the 2026 academic year on Tuesday, 6 October.
The fourth term is scheduled to run for 10 weeks, ending on Wednesday, 9 December.
The end of the fourth term will mark the conclusion of the 2026 public school academic year.
2026 school calendar
Here’s the 2026 school calendar to help parents plan ahead.
THIRD TERM:
School start: 21 July;
School closes: 23 September;
Public holidays: National Women’s Day (9 and 10 August),
School holidays: 24 September to 5 October.
FOURTH TERM:
School start: 6 October;
School closes: 9 December;
Public holidays: Day of Reconciliation (Wednesday 16 December), Christmas Day (Friday 25 December), Day of Goodwill (Saturday 26 December).
Article: Caxton publication, The Citizen
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
