The Ghana Education Service (GES) has approved and released the academic calendar for the 2026/2027 academic year for all basic schools across the country, outlining reopening dates, vacation periods, mid-term breaks and the timetable for the 2027 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The calendar, announced in a circular issued by the Management of the GES, applies to all Kindergarten, Primary and Junior High Schools nationwide. Regional Directors of Education have been directed to circulate the approved calendar to heads of schools through Metro, Municipal and District Directors of Education to facilitate effective planning and implementation.
The release is expected to give schools, teachers, parents and pupils ample time to prepare for the academic year while ensuring uniformity in teaching and learning activities across the country.
First Term Begins in September
According to the approved calendar, the first term will begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and run for 15 weeks before ending on Thursday, December 17, 2026.
Schools will then observe the Christmas vacation from Friday, December 18, 2026, to Monday, January 4, 2027.
The GES has also scheduled a two-day mid-term break on November 5 and 6, 2026, to provide pupils and teachers with a short break during the term.
Second Term Runs from January to March
The second term will commence on Tuesday, January 5, 2027, following the Christmas holidays. The 12-week term will end on Thursday, March 25, 2027.
An Easter vacation will follow from Friday, March 26, to Monday, April 19, 2027, after which schools will resume for the final term.
Third Term Ends in July
The third term is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, April 20, 2027, and continue for 14 weeks before ending on Thursday, July 22, 2027.
The long vacation, marking the end of the academic year, will commence on Friday, July 23, 2027.
According to the GES, the calendar is designed to provide adequate instructional time while incorporating regular breaks to support the wellbeing of both pupils and teachers.
2027 BECE Scheduled for May
The GES has also confirmed the timetable for the 2027 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which will be written by final-year Junior High School pupils seeking admission to Senior High Schools.
The examination is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, May 5, to Wednesday, May 12, 2027.
The early release of the examination timetable is expected to help schools organise revision classes, mock examinations and other preparatory activities well in advance to improve candidates’ performance.
