School calendar 2021 - DBE confirms

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This comes after the opening of schools was postponed until 15 February, due to concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic and the readiness of schools to safely accept learners back into class.

Revised 2021 academic calendar: Schools only set to open mid-February

15 Jan 2021

The DBE shared the announcement over Twitter this morning:

Good morning. Here is the Latest Amended School Calendar for 2021. pic.twitter.com/SyhMe6vbWB

— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) February 9, 2021

The calendar provides for 192 school days, down from the previously planned 195 days. The three to four weeks usually set aside for June/July winter break has been shortened to two weeks - with schools closing on 9 July and reopening on 26 July. Schools will once again close for the year on 15 December.

All the term dates for students are as follows:

Term 1: 15 February – 23 April
Term 2: 3 May – 9 July
Term 3: 26 July – 1 October
Term 4: 11 October – 15 December

Download a copy of the calendar here. [PDF]

Last week, schools in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal received approval to reopen on 15 February.

Gauteng, KZN ready for the new school year

3 Feb 2021