Plan Ahead for the 2025 Winter Break: Key Dates for School Holidays in June
As winter approaches, parents, students, and educators eagerly anticipate the mid-year school holidays. Understanding the school calendar is essential for planning family vacations, academic catch-ups, or simply some well-deserved rest.
🗓️ Term 2: Key Dates and Holidays
According to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Term 2 for public schools in 2025 runs from Tuesday, 8 April to Friday, 27 June. This term includes several public holidays and special school holidays, providing intermittent breaks before the winter vacation begins.
Public Holidays and Special School Holidays in Term 2:
- Good Friday: 18 April 2025
- Family Day: 21 April 2025
- Freedom Day (observed): 28 April 2025
- Special School Holidays: 29–30 April 2025
- Workers’ Day: 1 May 2025
- Special School Holiday: 2 May 2025
- Youth Day: 16 June 2025
These holidays result in shorter school weeks and provide opportunities for rest and family time during the term.
❄️ Winter Break: June–July 2025
The official winter school holidays commence on Monday, 30 June 2025, and conclude on Monday, 21 July 2025. Students are expected to return to school on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, marking the beginning of Term 3. This three-week break offers a chance for students and teachers to recharge during the colder months.
🏫 Term 3 Overview
Term 3 spans from 22 July to 3 October 2025, encompassing 11 weeks of academic activities. Notably, Heritage Day on 24 September 2025 falls within this term, providing a mid-term public holiday.
📌 Summary of Key Dates
- Term 2 Ends: 27 June 2025
- Winter Break: 30 June – 21 July 2025
- Term 3 Begins: 22 July 2025
- Heritage Day: 24 September 2025
📍 Regional Variations
While the DBE sets the national school calendar, some provinces or independent schools may have slight variations. It’s advisable to consult your child’s specific school or provincial education department for precise dates.
🔗 Useful Resources
- Department of Basic Education – School Calendar
- PublicHolidays.co.za – 2025 School Holidays
- Western Cape Education Department – School Calendar
Also read: Funding Crisis: Eastern Cape Schools Fail to Feed Thousands of Pupils as Blame Game Erupts
