With winter in full swing, South African public schools are set to close for the June School Holidays, giving learners, teachers, and families a well-earned break. According to the 2025 South Africa Public School Calendar, published by the Department of Basic Education (Government Gazette, No. 47972, 31 January 2023), schools are expected to shut their doors on 27 June 2025, wrapping up the second term. They’ll reopen on 15 July 2025, kicking off the third term. This roughly two-week holiday is the perfect time to unwind, make memories, and get ready for the second half of the year.
Why the 27 June School Holidays Closure Is a Big Deal
The school gates closing on 27 June marks the end of the busy second term, which is often packed with mid-year exams, projects, and assessments. For learners, it’s a chance to take a breather after weeks of hitting the books. Teachers get to wrap up their marking, tidy up lesson plans, and maybe even squeeze in some professional development. Parents, on the other hand, start planning how to keep the kids busy while juggling work and winter chills.
The timing is spot-on, coming just after Youth Day on 16 June, a public holiday that celebrates the courage of South Africa’s youth during the 1976 Soweto Uprising. In the weeks before the holidays, schools might run activities or lessons about this historic day, sparking chats about resilience and the power of education. It sets a thoughtful tone as kids head into the break.
Making the Most of the June School Holidays Break
From 27 June to 15 July, South Africa’s learners get to switch gears. In cities like Cape Town or Pretoria, you might spot kids at winter sports camps, art workshops, or even coding classes. But in smaller towns or rural spots, those options can be scarce during June School Holidays, so families often get creative with home-based fun or local community events. The Department’s “Read to Lead” campaign, highlighted in the 2025 calendar, nudges kids to keep their noses in a book during the holidays to stay sharp for term three.
The June School Holidays break isn’t all smooth sailing for everyone. For families who depend on school feeding programmes, the closure can stretch budgets thin. Thankfully, NGOs and government initiatives often chip in with food parcels or community meals to help out. Parents can also plan affordable outings—like a visit to a local museum, a walk in the park, or a cosy movie day at home—to keep the holiday vibes high without spending a fortune.
Back to School on 15 July
When 15 July rolls around, it’s time to dust off the school bags and dive into the third term since June School Holidays would be over. This term is a big one, especially for Grade 12s gearing up for their matric exams later in the year. Teachers might set holiday homework or revision tasks to make sure learners hit the ground running. Schools also use the break to spruce up classrooms, fix leaky roofs, or sort out any maintenance, so everything’s ready for the return.
The 2025 calendar, signed off by Minister Angie Motshekga (before Siviwe Gwarube becomes the minister) under the National Education Policy Act, is designed to keep the school year on track, helping learners make the most of their education. The June holidays, from 27 June to 15 July, are a key part of that rhythm, offering a pause to recharge while setting everyone up for a strong finish to 2025.
So, whether you’re a learner planning a lie-in, a teacher catching up on planning, or a parent organising some winter fun, the June School Holidays are a time to relax, reflect, and come back ready to shine when schools reopen on 15 July.