The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially published the 2026/2027 academic calendar for second-cycle institutions, and all parents, students, and educators of Single Track Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTs) can now plan ahead with certainty.
Unlike Transitional (Double-Track) schools, Single Track Schools follow a traditional, uninterrupted in-person academic schedule. This means students remain on campus throughout the term, with clearly defined resumption, break, and vacation dates.
This guide provides the complete breakdown of the GES 2026/2027 academic calendar specifically for Single Track Schools, covering Form One (1), Form Two (2), and Form Three (3) students.
Key Dates at a Glance (Single Track Schools)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First Day of School (All Forms) | 18th Sept. 2026 |
| Christmas Break | 19th Dec. 2026 – 4th Jan. 2027 |
| Easter Break | 25th – 30th Mar. 2027 |
| WASSCE Period | 6th Apr. – 18th Jun. 2027 |
| End of Academic Year (Form 1 & 2) | 31st Jul. 2027 |
| End of Academic Year (Form 3) | 18th Jun. 2027 |
Detailed Single Track Academic Calendar 2026/2027
Form One & Form Two (JSS 1 & 2 Equivalent)
First Semester
- Resumption (In School): 18th September 2026
- End of First Semester: 29th January 2027
- Vacation: 30th January 2027 – 29th March 2027
What this means: Students in Form One and Form Two will enjoy a full first semester from late September 2026 through January 2027, followed by a two-month vacation.
Second Semester
- Resumption (In School): 30th March 2027
- End of Academic Year: 30th July 2027
- Vacation Begins: 31st July 2027
Note for Parents: The 2026/2027 academic year for Form One and Form Two Single Track students officially concludes on 31st July 2027. Students will then proceed on end-of-year vacation.
Form Three (Final Year Students) – Single Track
Form Three students have a compressed schedule to allow adequate preparation time for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
First Semester
- Resumption (In School): 18th September 2026
- End of First Semester: 18th December 2026
- Vacation: 19th December 2026 – 31st January 2027
Note: The Christmas break from 19th December 2026 to 4th January 2027 falls within this vacation period.
Second Semester
- Resumption (In School): 1st February 2027
- End of Academic Year (Last Day on Campus): 18th June 2027
Critical Information for Form Three Students & Parents: Unlike Form One and Two, the academic year for Form Three Single Track students ends on 18th June 2027. There is no further resumption after this date. Students will either be writing WASSCE or completing post-examination activities by this time.
National Breaks Observed by All Single Track Schools
Regardless of the form or semester, all Single Track Schools must observe the following nationwide breaks as officially communicated by GES:
| Break Type | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Break | 19th Dec. 2026 | 4th Jan. 2027 |
| Easter Break | 25th Mar. 2027 | 30th Mar. 2027 |
There is no mid-semester break for Form One or Form Three Single Track students in this calendar. Only Form Two Double-Track schools have that provision.
WASSCE 2027 Timeline for Single Track Schools
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for final-year students will take place from: 6th April 2027 – 18th June 2027
This means that Form Three Single Track students will be writing their exams while still in the second semester. Schools are expected to complete teaching by late March 2027 to allow for full revision and mock examinations before the WASSCE period begins.
Important Reminders for Parents and Guardians
- Mark Your Calendars Now – The first resumption date is 18th September 2026. Ensure all fees, uniforms, and supplies are ready before this date.
- Christmas Travel Plans – Students will be at home from 19th December 2026 to 4th January 2027. Do not plan family travels outside this window to avoid missing school activities.
- Easter Break is Short – Easter break runs from 25th to 30th March 2027 (only six days). Students should not travel far.
- Form Three Parents Take Note – Your child’s academic year ends 18th June 2027. Begin early planning for tertiary applications, vocational training, or gap year activities.
- No Online Learning Periods – Unlike Double-Track schools, Single Track students do not have “online at home” segments. All learning is in-person.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When do Single Track schools resume in 2026?
A: All Single Track students (Form 1, 2, and 3) resume on 18th September 2026.
Q2: Do Single Track schools have online learning?
A: No. Only Transitional (Double-Track) schools have online at-home periods. Single Track schools are fully in-person.
Q3: When does WASSCE start for Single Track students?
A: WASSCE 2027 begins on 6th April 2027 and ends on 18th June 2027.
Q4: When is the end of academic year for Form One Single Track?
A: Form One academic year ends on 30th July 2027, with vacation starting 31st July 2027.
Q5: Is Christmas break included in the first semester vacation?
A: Yes. For Form One and Two, the vacation from 30th January to 29th March 2027 includes the Christmas break. For Form Three, the Christmas break falls within their first semester vacation (19th December 2026 – 31st January 2027).
Final Word
The GES 2026/2027 academic calendar for Single Track Schools provides clarity and structure for the upcoming academic year. Whether you are a student, teacher, or parent, adhering to these dates is essential for academic success and proper planning.
Save this page, share with fellow parents, and ensure your ward does not miss any resumption or examination date.
Source: GESHub.org
