School Holidays in Singapore 2024-2025

For parents, being aware of school holiday dates is essential for planning vacations, family gatherings, and exciting activities. It’s also wise to arrange childcare in advance if you’ll be working during these periods. Keep reading to discover the 2024 Singapore school holidays, including detailed information on international school holidays and public school holidays.

Overview of All School Holidays in Singapore (2024-2025)

Here’s a summary table of all school holidays from now to 2025, covering public holidays, term breaks and other school holidays. This includes detailed school holiday dates for various holidays such as Chinese New Year, summer, and year-end holidays for both public and international schools:

List of Public Holidays in Singapore (2024-2025)

Singapore's education system is not only renowned for how it propels students into strong academic performance, but also its high intensity and pressure. Public holidays in Singapore provide essential time off for both students and working parents. Here is a full list of public holidays in Singapore from now to 2025:

• Deepavali: 31 October 2024 (Thursday) – Celebrates the triumph of Lord Rama over demon king Ravana.
• Christmas Day: 25 December 2024 (Wednesday) – Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ
• New Year’s Day: 1 January 2025 (Wednesday) – Celebrates the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
• Chinese New Year: 29-30 January 2025 (Wednesday-Thursday) – Lunar New Year celebrated with family gatherings and traditions.
• Good Friday: 18 April 2025 (Friday) – Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• Hari Raya Puasa: 31 March 2025 (Monday) – Marks the end of Ramadan.
• Labour Day: 1 May 2025 (Thursday) – Recognises workers' contributions.
• Vesak Day: 12 May 2025 (Monday) – Celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death.
• Hari Raya Haji: 7 June 2025 (Saturday) – Islamic festival honouring Ibrahim's (Abraham’s) sacrifice.
• National Day: 9 August 2025 (Saturday) – Celebrates Singapore’s independence.
• Deepavali: 20 October 2025 (Monday) – Hindu Festival of Lights.
• Christmas Day: 25 December 2025 (Thursday) – Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

If you are a working parent, you are also typically off work during these public holidays. The Mondays and Fridays off are therefore the golden opportunity for you and your children take a three-day break. Are you planning a mini-holiday over the weekend? Time to mark these dates down!

List of Public and Private School Term Breaks in Singapore

In Singapore, the academic year generally starts in January, with term breaks and mid-term holidays providing essential rest periods for students and teachers. Here are the key term break dates for 2025:

• Term 1 Break: 8 March 2025 - 16 March 2025 (Saturday-Sunday)
• Term 2 Break: 24 May 2025 - 29 June 2025 (Saturday-Sunday)
• Term 3 Break: 6 September 2025 - 14 September 2025 (Saturday-Sunday)
• Term 4 Break: 21 November 2025 - 31 December 2025 (Friday-Wednesday)

In Singapore, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is in charge of overseeing and setting the academic calendar for public schools, while private schools manage their own schedules. For MOE primary schools, these dates are crucial as they align with the structured academic calendar set by the Ministry of Education. However, private schools may have different schedules based on their curricula. So check with your or your children's individual schools for precise dates before you book the next holiday!

List of Public and Private School Holidays in Singapore

In addition to public holidays and term breaks, schools in Singapore also observe several additional holidays throughout the academic year. For 2025, these include:

• Youth Day: 6 July 2025 (Sunday) – A day off to celebrate the vibrancy and potential of youth.
• Teachers' Day: 5 September 2025 (Friday) – A holiday to recognise and honour teachers.
• Children’s Day (Primary Schools Only): 3 October 2025 (Friday) – A special day off dedicated to primary school children.

These holidays offer extra opportunities for rest and celebration within the school calendar. Except for Children's Day, secondary schools also follow these holiday schedules, ensuring a balanced academic year for all students.

Overview of the Academic Year in Singapore (2025)

The academic school year in Singapore is structured around four terms, starting in January and ending in November. This structure is a key component of the education system in Singapore, designed to balance learning with sufficient breaks for students and teachers. The year typically follows this pattern:

• Term 1: 2 January 2025 - 7 March 2025
• Term 2: 17 March 2025 - 23 May 2025
• Term 3: 30 June 2025 - 5 September 2025
• Term 4: 15 September 2025 - 20 November 2025

This academic calendar generally applies to public school only. An IB Tutor in Singapore stated that for private and international schools, such as for IB or A-Level curriculums, the Heads of School often design their calendar with more flexibility.

According to the Head of one of the Best IB Schools in Hong Kong,

"Our academic calendar is thoughtfully designed to balance rigorous learning with ample holidays, ensuring that students have the opportunity to recharge, pursue personal interests, and return to their studies refreshed and ready to excel."

School Holiday Activities

Holidays are not only an opportunity to recharge, but also a great chance to further your children's studies. Here are five activities recommended by tutors to students at some of the Best International Schools in Singapore:

• Explore Science Centres: Visit places like the Science Centre Singapore for hands-on learning experiences that bring science to life.
• Participate in Sports Camps: Enrol in sports camps at the Singapore Sports Hub to stay active and learn new skills.
• Private Tutoring: Strengthen academic performance by engaging an IB tutor in Singapore or those affiliated with the Best IB Schools in Singapore.
• Cultural Workshops: Attend art or music workshops at institutions like the Esplanade.
• Visit Museums: Explore Singapore’s history at the National Museum of Singapore.

These activities not only provide entertainment but also enrich students’ knowledge and skills, helping them make the most of their time outside the classroom.

Here's what one of the SAT tutor in Singapore observed about the benefits of taking time for extracurriculars during the holidays:

"Participating in extracurriculars activities during holiday breaks strengthens skills like critical thinking and time management, which are crucial for excelling in exams like the SAT."

Conclusion

As the new school year approaches, it’s a perfect time to blend relaxation with opportunities for growth. Encourage your child to explore new activities, deepen their learning, and make memories together. Whether it’s through fun outings or private tutoring, these breaks can be a rewarding experience for the whole family.