The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the 2025/2026 academic calendar for Single Track Senior High Schools (SHS). This calendar provides a detailed breakdown of the school terms, vacation periods, and major examination dates for all forms — SHS 1, SHS 2, and SHS 3 — under the single track system.
Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this guide will help you clearly understand every component of the school year to stay informed and prepared.
What Is the Single Track System?
The Single Track system is the traditional academic model where all students attend school simultaneously, without splitting them into separate cohorts. Unlike the double track system, it operates on a continuous calendar, making planning and coordination more straightforward.
FORM 1 (New SHS 1 Students)
First Semester
- In School: 18th October 2025 – 27th February 2026 (17 weeks)
- Break: 20th December 2025 – 4th January 2026 (Christmas break)
Second Semester
- In School: 4th May – 21st August 2026 (16 weeks)
Total Weeks in School: 33 weeks
End of Academic Year: 21st August 2026
FORM 2 (Continuing SHS 2 Students)
First Semester
- In School: 18th October 2025 – 27th February 2026 (17 weeks)
- Break: 20th December 2025 – 4th January 2026
Second Semester
- In School: 4th May – 21st August 2026 (16 weeks)
Total Weeks in School: 33 weeks
End of Academic Year: 21st August 2026
FORM 3 (Final Year Students)
First Semester
- In School: 11th October 2025 – 27th February 2026 (18 weeks)
- Break: 20th December 2025 – 4th January 2026
Second Semester
- In School: 13th March – 21st June 2026 (14 weeks)
Total Weeks in School: 32 weeks
End of Academic Year: 21st June 2026
WASSCE Examination: 20th April – 20th June 2026
Important National Dates (As per GES)
| Date | Activity/Event |
|---|---|
| 11th October 2025 | Reopening for SHS 3 students |
| 18th–20th October 2025 | Reopening for SHS 1 & 2 students |
| 20th–22nd December 2025 | Travel period (Pre-Christmas) |
| 20th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026 | Christmas Break |
| 27th Feb – 1st March 2026 | Vacation/Travel for SHS 3 |
| 4th – 6th May 2026 | Reopening/Travel period for SHS 1 & 2 |
| 21st – 23rd August 2026 | Vacation/Travel for SHS 1 & 2 |
| WASSCE: 20th April – 20th June 2026 | Final exams for SHS 3 students |
| Proposed Start Date for 2026/2027 Academic Year: 11th September 2026 |
Breakdown by Term
| Form | Semester 1 | Break | Semester 2 | Academic Year Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHS 1 | Oct 18, 2025 – Feb 27, 2026 (17 weeks) | Dec 20 – Jan 4 | May 4 – Aug 21, 2026 (16 weeks) | Aug 21, 2026 |
| SHS 2 | Oct 18, 2025 – Feb 27, 2026 (17 weeks) | Dec 20 – Jan 4 | May 4 – Aug 21, 2026 (16 weeks) | Aug 21, 2026 |
| SHS 3 | Oct 11, 2025 – Feb 27, 2026 (18 weeks) | Dec 20 – Jan 4 | Mar 13 – Jun 21, 2026 (14 weeks) | Jun 21, 2026 |
Final Notes
- All SHS 1 & 2 students resume between 18th–20th October 2025.
- SHS 3 students resume slightly earlier on 11th October 2025.
- There are no double track shifts, so students stay in school continuously throughout each term.
- Final year students (SHS 3) complete their academic year in June 2026 after the WASSCE.
- The 2026/2027 academic year is proposed to begin on 11th September 2026.
Conclusion:
The 2025/2026 academic year under the Single Track system is well-structured, with clear timelines for each form. Students, parents, and teachers are encouraged to take note of all reporting dates, breaks, and term durations to ensure smooth planning and academic success.
Stay informed. Stay organized. Education thrives on preparation.
Source: GESHub.org
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