The 2025 School Calendar brings exciting updates for parents, students, and educators alike. With the introduction of three additional school holidays, learners will enjoy an extended break in April and May. This article outlines the first-term holiday dates, details of the special holiday week, and how parents can maximize vacation time.
When Does the First Term End?
As per the 2025 School Calendar, the first school term starts on 15 January 2025 and concludes on 28 March 2025. Learners will then enjoy a well-deserved break from 29 March to 7 April 2025 before heading into the second term.
Special School Holiday Week in 2025: How It Works
A unique feature of the 2025 School Calendar is the addition of three special school holidays, effectively granting public school learners a full week off. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has scheduled these additional school holidays as follows:
- Tuesday, 29 April 2025
- Wednesday, 30 April 2025
- Friday, 2 May 2025
Since Workers’ Day falls on Thursday, 1 May 2025, and Monday, 28 April 2025, is a public holiday for Freedom Day (27 April 2025), this results in an extended school-free week from Monday, 28 April to Friday, 2 May 2025.
Easter Weekend Break
Another noteworthy break in the 2025 School Calendar is the Easter Weekend, which provides a much-needed pause during the second term. This break runs from Friday, 18 April to Monday, 21 April 2025.
Clever Holiday Hack for a 17-Day Break
Parents and working professionals can leverage the special school holiday week for a longer vacation. By strategically taking leave from Tuesday, 22 April to Friday, 25 April, and again from Tuesday, 29 April to Friday, 2 May, one can enjoy an extended 17-day break while only using seven leave days.
Key Dates in the 2025 School Calendar
First Term:
- Start Date: 15 January 2025
- End Date: 28 March 2025
- Public Holidays: New Year’s Day (1 January), Human Rights Day (21 March)
- School Holidays: 29 March – 7 April 2025
Second Term:
- Start Date: 8 April 2025
- End Date: 17 June 2025
- Public Holidays: Good Friday (18 April), Family Day (21 April), Freedom Day (27 April), Workers’ Day (1 May), Youth Day (16 June)
- Special School Holidays: 29 April – 2 May 2025
- School Holidays: 18 June – 8 July 2025
Third Term:
- Start Date: 22 July 2025
- End Date: 3 October 2025
- Public Holidays: National Women’s Day (9 August), Heritage Day (24 September)
- School Holidays: 6 – 10 October 2025
Fourth Term:
- Start Date: 13 October 2025
- End Date: 10 December 2025
- Administration Days: 11 – 12 December 2025
- Public Holidays: Day of Reconciliation (16 December), Christmas Day (25 December), Day of Goodwill (26 December)
The 2025 School Calendar in a Nutshell
To help parents and students plan efficiently, here’s a summarized version of the academic calendar:
- Term 1: 15 January – 28 March (11 weeks, 53 days, 1 public holiday)
- Term 2: 8 April – 17 June (12 weeks, 59 days, 7 public holidays)
- Term 3: 22 July – 3 October (11 weeks, 54 days, 1 public holiday)
- Term 4: 13 October – 10 December (9 weeks, 43 days)
The 2025 School Calendar offers unique opportunities for learners, educators, and parents to plan their holidays effectively. Whether you are enjoying the Easter weekend, taking advantage of the special holiday week, or maximizing leave days, the year’s school schedule ensures a balanced mix of academic focus and well-timed breaks.
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