GES Unveils 2025/2026 SHS Academic Calendar: Resumption Dates and Important Term Breaks

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The Ghana Education Service(GES) has released the full 2025/2026 academic calendar for Senior High Schools under both single-track and transitional systems, detailing resumption dates, term breaks, and examination timelines.

GES has confirmed that Senior High Schools in Ghana will operate under a modified single-track and transitional calendar for the 2025/2026 academic year, aiming for a smooth and coordinated learning experience.

When Students Will Report to School

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that first-year (SHS 1) students will report to school on Saturday, October 18, 2025, across both single-track and transitional systems. According to a directive signed by the Director of the Schools and Instructions Division, Mr. Prince C. Agyemang-Duah, Regional Directors must ensure that school heads receive and adhere to the approved academic calendar.

Meanwhile, third-year (SHS 3) students are expected to resume earlier—in single-track schools by October 27–29, and in transitional (double-track) schools by the same timeframe—allowing them swift progression into final-year activities. Second-year (SHS 2) students will report on January 5–7, 2026, where they will commence a blended learning phase before continuing into full in-person instruction starting in May.

Key Term Dates and the Timeline Ahead

Under the single-track calendar, the academic year runs as follows:

Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Second-Year Vacation: March 14 – May 17, 2026
Easter Break: April 1 – 8, 2026
WASSCE 2026: April 20 – June 20, 2026
Academic Year Ends: August 21, 2026

For transitional double-track schools, the blended term includes online phases and adjusted closure dates, with some schools expected to close the academic year as late as September 4, 2026.

Why This Matters for Students and Parents

With clear reporting schedules and term timelines, this calendar helps all parties—students, parents, teachers, and administrators—plan effectively. Parents can make timely arrangements for school supplies, accommodation, and travel during breaks. Students gain clarity on timelines for exams and assignments. School administrators can streamline resources such as staff deployment, hostel allocation, and transport logistics.

Summary

The 2025/2026 academic calendar sets structured dates for resumption, vacations, and national exams under both single-track and transitional systems. Key dates:

SHS 1: October 18, 2025
SHS 3: October 27–29, 2025
SHS 2: January 5–7, 2026
School closures between August 21 and September 4, 2026, depending on the calendar type