The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the approved 2026/2027 academic calendar for Basic Schools across the country. The calendar covers Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior High Schools (JHS) and outlines reopening dates, closing dates, vacations, mid-term breaks, and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) schedule.
According to the release from the Public Relations Unit of GES Headquarters dated 6th May 2026, all heads of schools, teachers, learners, parents, and stakeholders are expected to take note of the approved academic schedule and prepare adequately for a smooth academic year.
Overview of the 2026/2027 GES Academic Calendar
The academic year will be divided into three terms:
- First Term – 15 Weeks
- Second Term – 12 Weeks
- Third Term – 14 Weeks
Each term will also include a two-day mid-term break in addition to public holidays observed nationwide.
First Term (15 Weeks)
Reopening Date
- Tuesday, 8th September 2026
Closing Date
- Thursday, 17th December 2026
Vacation Period
- Friday, 18th December 2026 to Monday, 4th January 2027
Mid-Term Break
- 5th and 6th November 2026
The first term is expected to run for fifteen academic weeks and will end just before the Christmas holidays.
Second Term (12 Weeks)
Reopening Date
- Tuesday, 5th January 2027
Closing Date
- Thursday, 25th March 2027
Vacation Period
- Friday, 26th March 2027 to Monday, 19th April 2027
The second term will span twelve weeks before students proceed on vacation ahead of the final academic term.
Third Term (14 Weeks)
Reopening Date
- Tuesday, 20th April 2027
Closing Date
- Thursday, 22nd July 2027
End of Academic Year Vacation
- From Friday, 23rd July 2027
The third term marks the end of the 2026/2027 academic year for all basic schools in Ghana.
2027 BECE Examination Date
The Ghana Education Service also announced the official date for the 2027 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
BECE Schedule
- Wednesday, 5th May 2027 to Wednesday, 12th May 2027
Candidates preparing for the examination are encouraged to begin preparations early to ensure excellent performance.
Important Information for Schools and Parents
GES reminded all stakeholders that:
- Public holidays within the academic year must be observed accordingly.
- A two-day mid-term break will be observed in every term.
- School heads, teachers, parents, and guardians should take note of all important dates.
- Adequate preparation should be made to ensure an effective and successful academic year.
The release was signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, Ghana Education Service.
Full Summary of the GES 2026/2027 Calendar
| Academic Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| First Term Reopens | 8th September 2026 |
| First Term Ends | 17th December 2026 |
| Christmas Vacation | 18th Dec 2026 – 4th Jan 2027 |
| Mid-Term Break (1st Term) | 5th – 6th November 2026 |
| Second Term Reopens | 5th January 2027 |
| Second Term Ends | 25th March 2027 |
| Second Term Vacation | 26th March – 19th April 2027 |
| Third Term Reopens | 20th April 2027 |
| Third Term Ends | 22nd July 2027 |
| End of Academic Year Vacation | From 23rd July 2027 |
| 2027 BECE Dates | 5th – 12th May 2027 |
Final Thoughts
The release of the 2026/2027 academic calendar provides clarity for schools, teachers, students, and parents to plan effectively for the academic year ahead. With clearly outlined term dates, vacation periods, and BECE schedules, stakeholders can better organize teaching, learning, and examination preparations.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to support their children academically throughout the school year while ensuring punctual reporting when schools reopen for each term.
Published By: Justice Donkoh | GESHub.org
