The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has revealed the school calendar for October 2025. The third term break in South Africa will be from Friday, October 10, 2025, to the reopening of the schools on Monday, October 13, 2025, which will mark the start of the fourth term.
Important Dates
- End of Term 3: Friday, October 10, 2025
- Start of Term 4: Monday, October 13, 2025
- Last day of school: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The above-mentioned dates are considered and valid for the public school calendar, not for private ones that could be different especially those institutions that are affiliated with the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) or Cambridge having different timelines. To be two hundred percent sure, it is good to call your child’s school.
Geographic Differences
A good number of schools are sticking to the national calendar but with little differences from one province to another:
- Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape: Dates remain the same.
- Limpopo and Mpumalanga: A few schools may finish Term 3 a day earlier for convenience.
- Eastern Cape and Northern Cape: Some schools may delay the opening of Term 4 to Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Parents and families should support each other in planning and confirming the school calendar by verifying the dates with their children’s schools.
Safety Measures and Travel Recommendations
Family trips are great to be made in October. Tourists will fill the attractive places appealing to the ones in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth. Then securing safety could be effective through the following measures:
- Using A Plan: long in advance book your accommodation and transportation.
- Safe Driving: respect the traffic rules and avoid driving if you haven’t slept completely.
- Ready for Crises: create an emergency contact list and check your vehicle.
Also Read: Unemployed Citizens Relief Fund 2025 – Who Qualifies And How To Apply