The Ghana Education Service (GES) has released the official academic calendar for the 2026/2027 school year for all public and private basic schools across the country. The schedule applies to Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior High Schools and provides important dates for school reopening, vacations, mid-term breaks, and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The calendar, announced by GES through its Public Relations Unit on May 6, 2026, is intended to help school administrators, teachers, parents, guardians, and learners plan effectively for the upcoming academic year.
First Term Schedule
The first term of the 2026/2027 academic year is expected to begin on September 8, 2026, and will run for fifteen weeks before ending on December 17, 2026.
Learners will then proceed on the Christmas vacation, which will last from December 18, 2026, to January 4, 2027. As part of efforts to provide students and teachers with a short break during the term, GES has also scheduled a two-day mid-term break on November 5 and November 6, 2026.
Key Dates for First Term
- Reopening: September 8, 2026
- Mid-Term Break: November 5–6, 2026
- Closing Date: December 17, 2026
- Vacation: December 18, 2026 – January 4, 2027
Second Term Schedule
Academic activities for the second term will resume on January 5, 2027. The term will continue for twelve weeks and conclude on March 25, 2027.
Students will then enjoy a vacation period from March 26 to April 19, 2027, before returning for the final term.
Key Dates for Second Term
- Reopening: January 5, 2027
- Closing Date: March 25, 2027
- Vacation: March 26 – April 19, 2027
Third Term Schedule
The third and final term of the academic year will commence on April 20, 2027, and continue until July 22, 2027.
Following the completion of academic activities, students will begin their long vacation on July 23, 2027, marking the end of the 2026/2027 academic year.
Key Dates for Third Term
- Reopening: April 20, 2027
- Closing Date: July 22, 2027
- Vacation Begins: July 23, 2027
2027 BECE Examination Dates
GES has also announced the official dates for the 2027 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Candidates across the country will sit for the examination from Wednesday, May 5, 2027, to Wednesday, May 12, 2027.
The examination remains an important milestone for Junior High School students seeking admission into Senior High Schools and Technical/Vocational institutions.
Public Holidays and Mid-Term Breaks
According to GES, all officially recognized public holidays falling within the academic year will be observed by schools nationwide. In addition, each academic term will include a two-day mid-term break to promote student welfare and improve teaching and learning outcomes.
GES Calls for Adequate Preparation
The Ghana Education Service has encouraged school heads, teachers, parents, guardians, and students to familiarize themselves with the approved calendar and make the necessary preparations to ensure a smooth and successful academic year.
The announcement was signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at GES, on behalf of the Service.
