The Ghana Education Service (GES) has released the official 2025/2026 transitional academic calendar for Senior High Schools (SHS) operating under the double track system. This calendar is especially relevant for schools still running the transitional model to manage infrastructure constraints while maintaining continuous academic engagement.
If you’re a student, parent, or educator in a transitional (double track) SHS, this post breaks down the academic calendar in full detail — including reporting dates, in-school weeks, breaks, and exam periods — for all three forms (SHS 1, SHS 2, and SHS 3).
What is the Transitional (Double Track) System?
The transitional/double track system splits students into cohorts to alternate between in-school and off-site periods. This allows schools with limited facilities to serve more students efficiently without compromising contact hours.
FORM 1 (Incoming SHS 1 Students)
First Semester
- In School: 18th October 2025 – 30th January 2026
- Structure: 13 weeks total
- 9 weeks onsite learning
- 4 weeks offsite (remote/online learning)
- Break: 31st January – 15th March 2026
Second Semester
- In School: 16th March – 12th June 2026
- Structure: 13 weeks total
- 9 weeks onsite learning
- 4 weeks offsite
- Break: 13th June – 2nd July 2026
Third Term
- In School: 3rd July – 4th September 2026 (9 weeks)
Total Weeks in School: 35 weeks
End of Academic Year: 4th September 2026
FORM 2 (Continuing SHS 2 Students)
First Semester
- In School: 5th January 2026 – 17th April 2026
- Note: From 16th March – 17th April, students switch to online/external learning mode.
- Weeks: 15 weeks total
- 10 weeks onsite
- 5 weeks online/offsite
- Break/Vacation: 18th April – 17th May 2026 (1 month)
Second Semester
- In School: 18th May – 4th September 2026 (16 weeks)
Total Weeks in School: 31 weeks
End of Academic Year: 4th September 2026
FORM 3 (Final Year Students)
First Semester
- In School: 27th October 2025 – 13th February 2026 (14 weeks)
- Break: 20th December 2025 – 4th January 2026
Second Semester
- In School: 14th February – 21st June 2026 (18 weeks)
- Break: Starts 21st June 2026 (after WASSCE)
WASSCE Period:
20th April – 20th June 2026
Total Weeks in School: 32 weeks
End of SHS 3 Academic Year: After WASSCE (June 2026)
Important National Dates & Notes (From GES)
- 18th – 20th October 2025: Reopening week for SHS 1 students
- 27th – 29th October 2025: Reopening week for SHS 3 students
- 20th – 22nd December 2025: Travel period before Christmas
- 20th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026: Christmas Break
- 5th – 7th Jan 2026: Reopening week for SHS 2
- 1st – 8th April 2026: Easter Break
- 14th March – 17th May 2026: Vacation for SHS 2
- Proposed Start Date for 2026/2027 Academic Year: 11th September 2026
Summary Table for Transitional Calendar
| orm | In School Dates | Breaks | Academic Year Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form 1 | Oct 18, 2025 – Sept 4, 2026 | Jan 31 – Mar 15, Jun 13 – Jul 2 | Sept 4, 2026 |
| Form 2 | Jan 5 – Apr 17, 2026 (then May 18 – Sept 4) | Apr 18 – May 17 | Sept 4, 2026 |
| Form 3 | Oct 27, 2025 – Jun 21, 2026 | Dec 20 – Jan 4 | After WASSCE (June 2026) |
Key Takeaways
SHS 1 students start school between 18th–20th October 2025
- SHS 2 resumes on 5th January 2026
- SHS 3 resumes on 27th October 2025 and finishes after WASSCE in June 2026
- The double track system balances onsite and offsite learning across terms
- Academic year ends for all students by early September 2026
Final Tip: Whether you’re a parent planning travel or a student preparing for the next phase, understanding this calendar helps manage your time, studies, and expectations.
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Source: GESHub.org
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