Ghana Education Service Releases 2026/2027 Academic Calendar for Basic Schools
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the approved 2026/2027 Academic Calendar for all basic schools across Ghana. The calendar, which covers Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior High Schools (JHS), outlines the reopening dates, closing dates, vacations, mid-term breaks, and the timetable for the 2027 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The calendar was communicated in a circular dated May 6, 2026, signed by Prof. Smile Dzisi (Mrs.), Deputy Director-General (Management Services), on behalf of the Director-General of GES. Regional Directors have been directed to share the approved calendar with all Metro, Municipal, District Directors of Education and heads of basic schools.
2026/2027 GES Academic Calendar
First Term (15 Weeks)
Reopening: Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Closing: Thursday, 17 December 2026
Mid-Term Break: 5–6 November 2026 (2 days)
Vacation: 18 December 2026 – 4 January 2027
Second Term (12 Weeks)
Reopening: Tuesday, 5 January 2027
Closing: Thursday, 25 March 2027
Vacation: 26 March – 19 April 2027
Third Term (14 Weeks)
Reopening: Tuesday, 20 April 2027
Closing: Thursday, 22 July 2027
End-of-Year Vacation: Begins 23 July 2027.
2027 BECE Dates
The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will be conducted from:
Wednesday, 5 May 2027
Wednesday, 12 May 2027
This schedule allows final-year Junior High School students, teachers, and parents ample time to prepare for the national examination.
Mid-Term Breaks and Public Holidays
GES has reminded all schools that:
Every term will include a two-day mid-term break.
All public holidays falling within the academic year must be observed by schools.
These breaks are intended to provide students and teachers with time to rest while ensuring the smooth implementation of the academic calendar.
What This Means for Schools and Parents
The early release of the academic calendar gives school administrators, teachers, parents, and students enough time to:
Prepare teaching and learning schedules.
Plan academic and extracurricular activities.
Organize school events and assessments.
Prepare adequately for the 2027 BECE.
Arrange family and travel plans around school vacations.
GES Calls for Compliance
The Ghana Education Service has instructed all Regional, Metro, Municipal, District Education Offices and heads of schools to take note of the approved dates and ensure full compliance to promote a smooth and effective academic year.
Summary of Key Dates
Activity Date
First Term Reopens 8th September 2026
First Term Closes 17th December 2026
Christmas Vacation 18 December 2026 – 4th January 2027
Second Term Reopens: 5th January 2027
Second Term Closes 25th March 2027
Easter Vacation: 6th March – 19 April 2027
Third Term Reopens 20th April 2027
BECE: 5–12 May 2027
Academic Year Ends 22th July 2027
Conclusion
The release of the 2026/2027 GES Academic Calendar provides a clear roadmap for the upcoming school year. Students, teachers, parents, and school administrators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the dates and make the necessary preparations for a successful academic year.
With the BECE scheduled for 5–12 May 2027 and three clearly structured terms, stakeholders now have a comprehensive guide for planning teaching, learning, and school activities throughout the academic year.
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Education