GES Announces 2026/2027 Academic Calendar, Sets September Reopening and 2027 BECE Dates

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the academic calendar for the 2026/2027 school year for all basic schools across the country, including Kindergarten, Primary and Junior High Schools.

The approved calendar, contained in a circular signed by the Deputy Director-General of GES, Prof. Smile Dzisi, on behalf of the Director-General, has been forwarded to Regional Directors of Education for distribution to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Directors, as well as heads of basic schools.

According to the calendar, the new academic year will commence on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and will be conducted in three academic terms with scheduled vacations and mid-term breaks.

The first term, which spans 15 weeks, will begin on September 8, 2026, and end on December 17, 2026. Students will then proceed on vacation from December 18, 2026, to January 4, 2027.

The second term will run for 12 weeks, starting on January 5, 2027, and ending on March 25, 2027. The vacation period for the term will be observed from March 26 to April 19, 2027.

The third and final term will begin on April 20, 2027, and conclude on July 22, 2027, officially bringing the 2026/2027 academic year to a close. The long vacation will commence on July 23, 2027.

GES has also scheduled a two-day mid-term break during each academic term to provide both pupils and teachers with a short period of rest. For the first term, the break will take place on November 5 and 6, 2026.

The Service has further confirmed the dates for the 2027 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). According to the calendar, the national examination will be conducted from Wednesday, May 5, 2027, to Wednesday, May 12, 2027.

The release of the academic calendar is expected to help schools, teachers, parents and candidates plan effectively for teaching, learning and preparations for the upcoming academic year and the 2027 BECE.

By: Paulina Armah/ Radio1.