School children across the nation are set to enjoy extra time off due to new adjustments made to the 2025 academic calendar. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has added three special school holidays to the schedule, marking April and May as significant months for breaks. This is not just positive news for students but also aligns with provisions under the Public Holidays Act of 1994, ensuring families get to maximize quality time together during the festive season.
According to the newly released calendar, there's been an increase from 25 to 27 formal holidays compared to 2024, even though this remains lower than the 32 holidays enjoyed in 2023 and 33 holidays from 2022.
So when exactly do the breaks take place? The first round of school holidays for the 2025 academic year will commence on March 29, lasting until April 7. Just two weeks after this, families can look forward to additional days off starting on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, followed by Wednesday, April 30, and again on Friday, May 2. Thursday, May 1, coincides with Workers' Day, ensuring the long weekend is well-utilized. This special holiday week will run from Monday, April 28, due to the preceding Freedom Day on the 27th, through to Friday, May 2.
It’s worth noting the DBE has emphasized the declaration of these holidays is aimed at improving the well-being of both students and families alike, providing them more opportunities to experience leisure activities.
For some families, the Easter period also coincides with additional festivities, spanning from Friday, April 18, to Tuesday, April 21, 2025. This mini-holiday grants families the chance for extra bonding and leisure, enhancing the overall school experience.
There’s some great holiday hack available too! By utilizing the special holidays and taking just seven days off—April 22-25 and again April 29-May 2—parents can craft themselves an impressive 17-day break.
To help parents keep track, here are the key dates to note across all four terms and how the school year is structured for 2025:
- First Term: Schools start on January 15, 2025, and close on March 28, 2025.
- Public Holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1) and Human Rights Day (March 21).
- Second Term: Schools reopen on April 8, 2025, and close on June 17, 2025. This term features several public holidays, including Good Friday (April 18), Freedom Day (April 27), and Workers' Day (May 1).
- Special Holidays: Special days off will fall between April 29 and May 2, 2025.
- Third Term: Runs from July 22 to October 3, with public holidays including National Women’s Day (August 9) and Heritage Day (September 24).
- Fourth Term: Begins on October 13, 2025, and ends on December 10, 2025, featuring key public holidays such as Day of Reconciliation (December 16) and Christmas Day (December 25).
Despite the increase of school holidays, parents have observed concerns with the overall count still being fewer than previous years. This adjustment is perceived as significant to the well-being of children, allowing for ample opportunities for family interactions. Through such initiatives, the DBE exemplifies commitment to enhancing family time within the academic framework.
Meanwhile, amid these educational festivities, families will also observe Easter festivities across cities. The joyous Easter weekend from April 19 to April 21, 2025, is characterized by lively egg hunts and community events, with entire cities like Paris gearing up for celebrations. Events are set to focus on creating an engaging atmosphere for families, featuring hunts at parks, hotels, and various venues aimed at children.
Families should be aware of the plethora of activities being made available during the holiday. For example, Le Meurice offers egg hunting on April 19, with special chocolate treats for children. Alternatively, Hôtel de la Marine is set to host free egg hunts for kids during the following weekend.
Easter is traditionally seen as the time for family gatherings, and many families are likely to revel in both the public school breaks and local events focused on togetherness and joyous interactions.
Overall, 2025 promises to be year for families to bond, enjoy leisure activities, and create memorable experiences together, thanks to the school holiday adjustments and community-focused events taking shape across the country.