A well-known network of private schools in South Africa, SPARK Schools is well-known for its dedication to provide reasonably priced, internationally competitive education. Established in 2012 by Stacey Brewer and Ryan Harrison, the network now serves about 16,000 learners across 26 institutions in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Planning effectively requires that educators and families in the SPARK Schools community have a thorough understanding of the academic calendar. An outline of the 2025 SPARK Schools calendar can be seen below:
Term Dates:
- Term 1: 15 January – 28 March
- Term 2: 8 April – 27 June
- Term 3: 22 July – 3 October
- Term 4: 13 October – 12 December
Public Holidays in 2025:
- New Year’s Day: 1 January
- Human Rights Day: 21 March
- Freedom Day: 27 April
- Workers’ Day: 1 May
- Youth Day: 16 June
- National Women’s Day: 9 August
- Heritage Day: 24 September
- Day of Reconciliation: 16 December
- Christmas Day: 25 December
- Day of Goodwill: 26 December
SPARK Schools employs a unique academic schedule that does not conform to the traditional inland or coastal cluster calendars used by many South African schools. Instead, all SPARK Schools operate on a unified calendar, ensuring consistency across their network.
School Hours:
- Grades R-1: 7:45 am – 2:30 pm (regular day)
- Grades 2-3: 7:45 am – 3:00 pm (regular day)
- Grades R-3: 7:30 am – 1:00 pm (minimum day)
- Grades 4-7: 7:45 am – 3:30 pm (regular day)
- Grades 4-7: 7:45 am – 1:30 pm (minimum day)
The 2025 academic year comprises a total of 199 to 203 instructional days, providing ample opportunity for academic growth and extracurricular engagement.
For parents and guardians, aligning family plans with the school calendar is crucial. Noting term dates and holidays allows for better scheduling of vacations and family activities, ensuring they complement the academic commitments of their children.
As SPARK Schools continues to grow and innovate within the South African education sector, staying informed about key dates and schedules remains vital for scholars, parents, and educators alike. By integrating these dates into your annual planning, you can support a structured and successful academic journey for your child.