2025/2026 Academic Calendar: Key Dates and Terms

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the 2025/2026 academic calendar for basic schools across the country. This announcement comes ahead of the end of the third term of the 2024/2025 academic year.

In a letter dated 12th July 2025 and signed by Mr. Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, GES detailed the schedule for Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior High Schools (JHS).

Term Dates for the 2025/2026 Academic Year Calendar

✅ First Term

Reopening: 2nd September 2025
Closing: 18th December 2025
Duration: 15 weeks
Vacation: 19th December 2025 – 7th January 2026

✅ Second Term

Reopening: 8th January 2026
Closing: 1st April 2026
Duration: 12 weeks
Vacation: 2nd April 2026 – 20th April 2026

✅ Third Term

Reopening: 21st April 2026
Closing: 23rd July 2026
Duration: 13 weeks

Vacation and Breaks

Schools will go on a long vacation at the end of the 2024-2025 school year starting 24th July 2025, before reopening for the new academic year on 2nd September 2025. The first-term vacation will cover the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Important Update on BECE 2026

GES has announced that the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will be held in May 2026, instead of the usual June period. This change is expected to help align the academic calendar more effectively.

READ: 2026 BECE Date Released, Projected Timetable Out

GES Encourages Stakeholder Support

The management of GES urges all basic school heads, teachers, learners, parents, and other stakeholders to take note of the new calendar. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition into the new academic year and to enhance planning and preparation at all levels.

2025/2026 Basic Schools Academic Calendar

Term	Duration	Activity	Dates
First Term	15 Weeks	Reopening	Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
		Mid-Term Break	Friday, 31st October – Monday, 3rd November 2025
		Closing	Thursday, 18th December 2025
		Vacation	19th December 2025 – 7th January 2026
Second Term	12 Weeks	Reopening	Thursday, 8th January 2026
		Closing	Wednesday, 1st April 2026
		Vacation	2nd April 2026 – 20th April 2026
Third Term	13 Weeks	Reopening	Tuesday, 21st April 2026
		Closing	Thursday, 23rd July 2026
		Vacation	Begins Friday, 24th July 2026

Additional Information as released by the GES in addition to the 2025/2026 Academic Calendar.

GES wishes to remind all stakeholders that public holidays within the academic year are to be observed accordingly.
In addition, a two-day mid-term break will be observed in each term for all basic schools.
All heads of schools, teachers, parents, and guardians are urged to take note of these dates and ensure adequate preparation for a smooth and effective academic year.
Management also wishes to thank all school heads, teachers, parents, students and all stakeholders for the dedication and hard work in ensuring a successful 2024/2025 academic year, which ends on Thursday, 24th July, 2025.