The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the 2026/27 academic calendar for second-cycle institutions, and this guide is specifically for Form 1 and Form 2 students in Single-Track Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTs) .
Unlike Double-Track or Transitional schools, Single-Track schools operate a traditional, uninterrupted in-person schedule. For Form 1 and Form 2 students, the calendar is straightforward and easy to follow.
Below is the complete breakdown of resumption dates, semester periods, vacations, and the official end of the 2026/27 academic year for Single-Track Form 1 and Form 2 students.
At a Glance: Key Dates for Form 1 & Form 2 (Single-Track)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First Day of School | 18th Sep. 2026 |
| End of First Semester | 29th Jan. 2027 |
| First Semester Vacation | 30th Jan. – 29th Mar. 2027 |
| Second Semester Resumption | 30th Mar. 2027 |
| End of Academic Year | 30th Jul. 2027 |
| Vacation Begins | 31st Jul. 2027 |
Detailed Semester Breakdown
First Semester
Form 1 and Form 2 students in Single-Track schools will begin the 2026/27 academic year together on the same date.
- In School (Resumption): 18th September 2026
- Last Day of First Semester: 29th January 2027
- Vacation Period: 30th January 2027 – 29th March 2027
What this means: Students will enjoy a full first semester lasting approximately four and a half months, followed by a two-month break.
Second Semester
After the long vacation, students return to campus for the final semester of the academic year.
- In School (Resumption): 30th March 2027
- Last Day of Academic Year: 30th July 2027
- Vacation Begins: 31st July 2027
Important: Unlike Form Three students whose academic year ends in June, Form 1 and Form 2 Single-Track students continue until the end of July 2027.
National Breaks Affecting Form 1 & Form 2
All Single-Track schools must observe the following nationwide breaks during the 2026/27 academic year:
| Break Type | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Break | 19th Dec. 2026 | 4th Jan. 2027 |
| Easter Break | 25th Mar. 2027 | 30th Mar. 2027 |
Note for Parents: The Easter break overlaps with the start of the second semester. Students resume on 30th March 2027, which is the same day the Easter break ends. There is no additional holiday period.
What About WASSCE?
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Form Three students will take place from 6th April to 18th June 2027.
However, Form 1 and Form 2 students are not involved in WASSCE. Their academic activities continue normally during this period, though they may experience some schedule adjustments if their school serves as an examination center.
Important Reminders for Parents of Form 1 & Form 2 (Single-Track)
- First Resumption is 18th September 2026 – Ensure all admission fees, uniforms, textbooks, and supplies are ready before this date.
- No Online Learning Periods – Unlike Double-Track schools, Single-Track Form 1 and Form 2 students have no “online at home” requirements. All learning is in-person.
- Plan Christmas Travel Carefully – The Christmas break runs from 19th December 2026 to 4th January 2027. Family trips must happen within this window.
- Easter Break is Only Six Days – From 25th to 30th March 2027. Students should not travel far during this short break.
- Academic Year Ends 31st July 2027 – Do not plan end-of-year family vacations or overseas travel before this date.
Comparison: Form 1 & Form 2 vs. Form Three (Single-Track)
| Feature | Form 1 & 2 | Form 3 |
|---|---|---|
| First Resumption 2026 | 18th Sept. | 18th Sept. |
| First Semester End | 29th Jan. 2027 | 18th Dec. 2026 |
| First Vacation | 30th Jan – 29th Mar 2027 | 19th Dec 2026 – 31st Jan 2027 |
| Second Resumption | 30th Mar. 2027 | 1st Feb. 2027 |
| Academic Year Ends | 30th Jul. 2027 | 18th Jun. 2027 |
| WASSCE Period | Not applicable | 6th Apr. – 18th Jun. 2027 |
Printable Quick Reference
For Form 1 & Form 2 Parents and Students (Single-Track):
- Start 2026: 18th September
- End 2026 First Term: 29th January 2027
- Break: 30th January – 29th March 2027
- Return: 30th March 2027
- Finish 2027: 30th July 2027
- Vacation starts: 31st July 2027
Final Word
The 2026/27 Single-Track Academic Calendar for Form 1 & Form 2 is clear and predictable. With resumption on 18th September 2026, a first semester ending in January 2027, and the academic year wrapping up on 30th July 2027, parents and students can plan the entire year with confidence.
Save this page, share with other Single-Track parents, and ensure your child never misses a resumption date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When do Single-Track Form 1 students resume in 2026?
A: All Form 1 and Form 2 Single-Track students resume on 18th September 2026.
Q2: Do Form 1 Single-Track students have online learning?
A: No. Only Transitional (Double-Track) schools have online at-home periods. Single-Track schools are fully in-person.
Q3: When is the end of academic year for Form 2 Single-Track?
A: The academic year ends on 30th July 2027, with vacation starting on 31st July 2027.
Q4: Is there a mid-semester break for Form 1 or Form 2?
A: No. According to the official calendar, the mid-semester break applies only to Form Two Double-Track students (17th – 20th June 2027). Single-Track Form 1 and Form 2 have no mid-semester break.
Q5: Will WASSCE affect my Form 1 child’s schedule?
A: Form 1 and Form 2 students continue normal classes during WASSCE (6th April – 18th June 2027). However, if their school is used as an exam center, there may be slight adjustments to classroom locations or break times.
Source: GESHub.org
