GES Releases 2026/2027 Academic Calendar For Basic Schools - Check Reopening, Vacation and BECE Dates

2026/2027 Academic Calendar For Basic Schools Released By GES



The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the approved 2026/2027 Academic Calendar for all Basic Schools across the country.

The calendar was released in an Immediate Release letter dated 6th May, 2026, signed by the Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi. The letter, referenced as GES/HQ/PR/26/136, was addressed to all Basic School heads, teachers, learners and stakeholders.

According to GES, the calendar covers Kindergarten, Primary and Junior High Schools (JHS) and outlines all reopening dates, closing dates, vacation periods and mid-term breaks for the entire academic year.

All heads of schools, teachers, parents and guardians are therefore urged to take note of the dates and prepare adequately for a smooth and effective academic year.


Detailed Breakdown Of The 2026/2027 Academic Calendar


FIRST TERM - 15 WEEKS

The first term of the 2026/2027 academic year is the longest term with 15 weeks of academic work.


Reopening: Tuesday, 8th September, 2026

Closing: Thursday, 17th December, 2026

Vacation: 18th December, 2026 to 4th January, 2027

Mid-Term Break: 5th and 6th November, 2026 (2 days)


Pupils and teachers will go on Christmas vacation after 17th December and resume for the second term in January 2027. The two-day mid-term break in November is to allow learners and teachers to rest within the term.


SECOND TERM - 12 WEEKS

The second term is the shortest term with 12 weeks.

Reopening: Monday, 5th January, 2027

Closing: Thursday, 25th March, 2027

Vacation: 26th March, 2027 to 19th April, 2027


Second term will start immediately after the Christmas break. It will end in March 2027, giving pupils about three weeks of vacation before the third term begins in April. This term is crucial for Junior High School students, especially those in JHS 3 preparing for BECE.


THIRD TERM - 14 WEEKS

Third term marks the end of the 2026/2027 academic year.

Reopening: Tuesday, 20th April, 2027

Closing: Thursday, 22nd July, 2027

Vacation: From 23rd July, 2027 [END OF ACADEMIC YEAR]


This 14-week term will be used to complete the syllabus, conduct end-of-term examinations and prepare final reports for learners from KG to JHS 2. After 22nd July, all basic schools will close for the long vacation until the next academic year in September 2027.


2027 BECE Date Announced

In addition to the term dates, the Ghana Education Service has also announced the date for the 2027 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).


According to the release, the BECE is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, 5th May to Wednesday, 12th May, 2027.


This means JHS 3 students will write their final external examination within the third term, before the final closing on 22nd July. Candidates, teachers and parents are advised to start preparations early to ensure success.


The early announcement of the BECE date will help schools to plan their mock examinations and revision schedules effectively.


Other Important Directives From GES

GES also wishes to remind all stakeholders that all public holidays within the academic year are to be observed accordingly. No academic work should be done on statutory public holidays declared by the Government of Ghana.


Furthermore, the Service has stated that a two-day mid-term break will be observed in each term for all basic schools. This is to reduce academic stress and improve teaching and learning outcomes.


The GES emphasized that this calendar must be strictly followed by all public basic schools in Ghana. Private basic schools are also encouraged to align their activities with this approved calendar to ensure uniformity in the educational system.


What Parents and Teachers Should Do Now

With the release of this calendar, parents are advised to start budgeting for school items ahead of the September 8th reopening. Teachers should also prepare their lesson notes and teaching materials for the 15-week first term.


School heads must ensure that the calendar is displayed on their school notice boards and communicated to all parents through PTA meetings.


The 2026/2027 academic year promises to be a productive one, and with proper adherence to this calendar, Ghana’s basic education system will continue to improve.


SOURCE: Ghana Education Service (GES) - Public Relations Unit, Headquarters



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