The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially announced a return to the traditional academic calendar for basic schools starting the 2025/2026 academic year, and it’s coming with a clear structure, exam dates, and a promise of stability.
In a statement signed by the newly appointed Head of Public Relations, Mr. Daniel Fenyi, the GES confirmed that schools will reopen on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, restoring the pre-COVID school cycle, which many teachers and parents had long called for.
This timing ensures that candidates receive ample preparation time following the conclusion of their second term, a factor often emphasised by educators and parents.
Ghana’s education system operates on a 6-3-3-4 structure (6 years primary, 3 years JHS, 3 years SHS, 4 years university).
What’s New?
The new calendar, which applies to Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior High Schools, runs from September 2025 to July 2026, bringing back the familiar three-term format. It also outlines dates for reopening, mid-term breaks, vacations, as well as the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The first term of the 2025/2026 academic year is set to commence on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, and will conclude on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Students and teachers will then enjoy a Christmas vacation from Friday, December 19, 2025, to Tuesday, January 7, 2026. A mid-term break is also scheduled for October 31 to November 3, 2025, offering a brief respite during the demanding term.
The second term will pick up on Wednesday, January 8, 2026, running until Wednesday, April 1, 2026. This will be followed by an Easter vacation from April 2 to April 20, 2026. The third and final term of the academic year is slated to begin on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and will officially end on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
Here’s a breakdown of how the year will unfold:
- First Term: Sep 2 – Dec 18, 2025
- Mid-term break: Oct 31 – Nov 3
- Christmas vacation: Dec 19 – Jan 7
- Second Term: Jan 8 – Apr 1, 2026
- Mid-term break: Feb 20 – Feb 24
- Easter vacation: Apr 2 – Apr 20
- Third Term: Apr 21 – Jul 23, 2026
- Mid-term break: Jun 5 – Jun 9
- Academic year ends: Jul 23
BECE to Be Held in May 2026
One of the most significant changes is the scheduling of the BECE for the next year, 2026. The exams will now take place in May, giving JHS students more time to prepare after the second term.
The BECE, conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), serves as the bridge to senior high school and technical education. Each year, over 375,000 students sit for the exam across English, Maths, Science, and other core subjects, and performance in these areas continues to drive curriculum reform efforts.
GES says the calendar is part of efforts to stabilise contact hours and ensure a more structured academic year. All public holidays will be observed, and each term will include at least a two-day mid-term break to ease the pressure on students and teachers alike.
Mr. Fenyi’s appointment has also been seen as a fresh start for public communication at the GES, which has in recent years been criticised for delays in releasing academic schedules.
In its statement, the Service thanked all stakeholders, from teachers to parents, for their commitment throughout the current academic year, which ends officially on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Bottom Line
The 2025/26 school year is going back to what many consider a more predictable, balanced academic cycle. With BECE now set in May and breaks clearly mapped out, families and schools can plan better, and students might just breathe a little easier.
