The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially announced the approved academic calendar for the 2026/2027 academic year for all basic schools across the country.
In a statement released by the Public Relations Unit of GES Headquarters on May 6, 2026, the Service informed school heads, teachers, learners, parents, and other stakeholders that the new calendar will guide academic activities for Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior High Schools nationwide.
According to the release, the academic year will be structured into three terms, with scheduled reopening dates, vacations, and mid-term breaks aimed at ensuring effective teaching and learning throughout the year.
First Term Begins in September 2026
GES stated that the first term, which will last for 15 weeks, will officially commence on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Schools are expected to remain in session until Thursday, December 17, 2026, after which students and teachers will proceed on vacation from December 18, 2026, to January 4, 2027.
The Service also announced a two-day mid-term break scheduled for November 5 and November 6, 2026.
Second Term to Start in January 2027
The second term of the academic year will begin on Tuesday, January 5, 2027, and continue for 12 weeks.
Schools will close for the term on Thursday, March 25, 2027. Vacation for the term will run from March 26 to April 19, 2027.
Third Term Scheduled for April 2027
According to the calendar, the third and final term of the academic year will reopen on Tuesday, April 20, 2027.
The term, which will last 14 weeks, is expected to end on Thursday, July 22, 2027, with vacation beginning on July 23, 2027, marking the official end of the academic year.
2027 BECE Dates Announced
GES also confirmed the dates for the 2027 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The examination is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, May 5, 2027, to Wednesday, May 12, 2027.
The announcement gives final-year Junior High School students, teachers, and parents ample time to prepare ahead of the national examination.
Public Holidays and Mid-Term Breaks
The Ghana Education Service reminded all stakeholders that public holidays within the academic year are to be observed accordingly.
In addition, GES emphasized that all basic schools will observe a two-day mid-term break during each term as part of efforts to promote academic balance and student well-being.
GES Urges Stakeholders to Prepare Adequately
GES further urged heads of schools, teachers, parents, guardians, and learners to take note of all important dates outlined in the calendar to ensure a smooth and successful academic year.
The statement was signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at the Ghana Education Service.
The release of the academic calendar is expected to help schools effectively plan academic activities, examinations, extracurricular programmes, and other school-related events ahead of the new academic year.