When does Term 4 end? Department sets record straight on rumours

The Department of Basic Education has set the record straight on social media commentary about when Term 4 ends – and if learners are required to return to school following their exams.

WHEN DOES TERM 4 END? DBE RESPONDS TO RUMOURS

On social media, rumours have begun circulating that learners will kick off their school holidays as early as Friday, 20 November, following the completion of their exams.

This means that children can be at home for almost 8 weeks, until schools reopen for Term 1 next year.

However, according to the official 2026 school calendar, Term 4 officially ends in early December. The Department of Basic Education has dispelled online rumours that schools close after the final exam is written.

Departmental spokesperson Terence Khala told The South African: “The Department of Basic Education wishes to clarify that the completion of final examinations does not automatically signal the end of the school term.

“Schools continue with a range of activities beyond the formal examination period, including administrative processes, academic support, sporting programmes, cultural activities and other extracurricular engagements that form part of the broader school programme”.

Khala added that schools have different operational arrangements and planned activities during this period. He encouraged parents to engage directly with their schools and school governing bodies to establish specific arrangements for their children, including attendance requirements after examinations conclude.

He added: “The Department encourages continued cooperation between parents, schools and SGBs to ensure that the remaining school days are managed effectively and in the best interests of learners”.

2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR – DATES RELEASED

Meanwhile, the Department of Basic Education has published both the 2027 and 2028 school calendars.

For 2027, the school term dates are as follows: 

• Term 1: 13 January – 19 March
• Term 2: 06 April – 25 June
• Term 3: 20 July – 22 September
• Term 4: 05 October – 08 December.

In 2027, there will be 197 school days with three public holidays, and an additional special holiday recognised in