In-Depth Guide to Term 2–4 for Public Schools in South Africa – Dates, Breaks & Public Holidays
School Holidays 2025: As of today (June 2025), we’re officially in Term 2 of the South African public school calendar. The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that there have been no changes to the public school calendar for 2025, despite rumours of revisions, so parents and students can continue planning with confidence. According to the official 2025 school calendar:
Second Term (Current Term) Wrap-Up & Mid-Year Break
- 📆 Term Break: 28 June – 21 July 2025 (On 28 June 2025, the term concludes, transitioning into winter break lasting until 21 July 2025.)
- 🏁 Term 2 Duration: 12 weeks (~59 days), with about 51 active school days. This includes five public holidays and three special holidays.
This winter break is the perfect time for:
- Family travel or staycations
- School holiday programmes, camps, or skills workshops
- Academic catch-up or enrichment activities
Term 3: What’s Ahead
- 📌 Start: 22 July 2025
- 📌 End: 3 October 2025
- 📆 Spring Break: 4 – 12 October 2025
- 🚩 Public Holidays During Term:
- National Women’s Day: 9 August
- Heritage Day: 24 September
Term 4: Closing the Year
- 📌 Start: 13 October 2025
- 📌 End: 10 December 2025
- 🗂️ Administration Days: 11–12 December (for exams/marking)
- 📅 Public Holidays Post-Term:
- Day of Reconciliation (16 December)
- Christmas Day (25 December)
- Day of Goodwill (26 December)
✅ Key Takeaways & Planning Tips
- No calendar changes – what’s published is final for 2025.
- Term 2 is mid-year – it’s a longer stretch (12 weeks), with multiple public holidays and an extended winter break.
- Breaks align with holidays, easing travel and family planning.
- School days per term: Term 2 has ~51 school days; Term 3 around ~53; Term 4 about ~43, excluding administration days.
Suggested Table: Term Break Summary from Today
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Break Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 2 | 8 Apr 2025 | 27 Jun 2025 | 28 Jun – 21 Jul 2025 |
| Term 3 | 22 Jul 2025 | 3 Oct 2025 | 4 – 12 Oct 2025 |
| Term 4 | 13 Oct 2025 | 10 Dec 2025 | Admin days 11–12 Dec |
Final Takeaway
With Term 2 now underway and the winter break fast approaching, 2025 promises a well-timed flow of learning and rest. Parents, students, and educators can confidently calendar activities, trips, and study plans—and rest assured, this schedule is DBE confirmed and unchanged.
Also read: 10 Fun & Affordable Activities to Try With Your Kids in Johannesburg During School Holidays
