Western Cape School Terms for 2026
The Western Cape Government has released the revised school calendar and holidays (almanac) for the 2026 academic sessions. Newly admitted and returning students should take note.
The Western Cape department of education academic calendar gives hints about the resumption and holiday dates for new and returning students 2025, examination dates, and other academic activities for the year.
See below, the Western Cape Department of Education academic calendar for primary and high school students for the 2026 academic year.
WESTERN CAPEÂ REVISED SCHOOL SESSIONAL AND HOLIDAY DATES FOR 2026 ACADEMIC SESSIONS
The academic calendar and holidays for the 2026 academic session as approved by the Western Cape Department of Education.
| Category | Item | Date(s) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| TERM 1 | Term 1 Duration | 14 January – 27 March 2026 | 11 weeks (53/55 days) |
| Special Note | 12 January 2026 | Alternative start date for inland schools (in brackets) | |
| End Date | 27 March 2026 | Term 1 concludes | |
| TERM 2 | Term 2 Duration | 08 April – 26 June 2026 | 12 weeks (58 days) |
| Public Holidays | 15 June 2026 | Special School Holiday | |
| Public Holiday | 16 June 2026 | Youth Day | |
| Actual School Days | — | 54 days (after holidays) | |
| TERM 3 | Term 3 Duration | 21 July – 02 October 2026 | 11 weeks (54 days) |
| Public Holidays | 09-10 August 2026 | National Women’s Day + Public Holiday | |
| Actual School Days | — | 51 days (after holidays) | |
| TERM 4 | Term 4 Duration | 13 October – 09 December 2026 | 9 weeks (42/44 days) |
| Special Note | 11 December 2026 | Alternative end date for inland schools (in brackets) | |
| SUMMARY | Total Weeks | 43 weeks | Full academic year |
| Total Days | 207 (211) days | With inland school alternative | |
| Total Public Holidays | 5 + 2 special | During school terms | |
| Actual School Days | 200 (204) days | After all holidays deducted | |
| PUBLIC HOLIDAYS | New Year’s Day | 01 January 2026 | Public Holiday |
| Human Rights Day | 21 March 2026 | Public Holiday | |
| Good Friday | 03 April 2026 | Public Holiday | |
| Family Day | 06 April 2026 | Public Holiday | |
| Freedom Day | 27 April 2026 | Public Holiday | |
| Workers’ Day | 01 May 2026 | Public Holiday | |
| Youth Day | 16 June 2026 | Public Holiday | |
| National Women’s Day | 09 August 2026 | Public Holiday | |
| Public Holiday | 10 August 2026 | Public Holiday (observed) | |
| Heritage Day | 24 September 2026 | Public Holiday | |
| Day of Reconciliation | 16 December 2026 | Public Holiday | |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Public Holiday | |
| Day of Goodwill | 26 December 2026 | Public Holiday | |
| SPECIAL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS | Special School Holiday | 15 June 2026 | During Term 2 |
| Special School Holiday | 25 September 2026 | During Term 3 | |
| ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES | Call for Comments | Published 15 October 2024 | Government Gazette No. 51399 |
| Comment Deadline | 15 November 2024 | One month after publication | |
| Contact | Mr S Mlambo | Mlambo.S@dbe.gov.za | |
| Issued by | Siviwe Gwarube, MP | Minister of Basic Education | |
| Legal Authority | Section 3(4)(k) | National Education Policy Act, 1996 (Act No. 27 of 1996) |
- Inland vs Coastal Schools: The calendar shows alternative dates in brackets (e.g., 12 January and 11 December) which typically apply to inland schools, while the primary dates apply to coastal schools
- Special School Holidays: Two additional school holidays designated by the Minister (15 June and 25 September)
- Total Variations: Numbers in brackets indicate differences for inland schools where applicable
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