GES releases 2026/2027 academic calendar for basic schools: Full reopening and BECE dates

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the 2026/2027 academic calendar for all public basic schools across the country, outlining reopening dates, term schedules, vacation periods, mid-term breaks and the timetable for the 2027 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The approved calendar applies to Kindergarten (KG), Primary and Junior High Schools (JHS) nationwide.

The announcement was contained in a circular signed by the Deputy Director-General of GES, Professor Smile Dzisi, on behalf of the Director-General.

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The circular has been distributed to all regional directors of education for onwards communication to metropolitan, municipal and district directors, as well as heads of basic schools.

GES 2026/2027 academic calendar

According to GES, the 2026/2027 academic year will consist of three terms.

First Term (15 Weeks)

• Schools reopen: Tuesday, September 8, 2026

• Schools close: Thursday, December 17, 2026.

• Vacation: December 18, 2026 – January 4, 2027

Second Term (12 Weeks)

• Schools reopen: Tuesday, January 5, 2027

• Schools close: Thursday, March 25, 2027.

• Vacation: March 26 – April 19, 2027

Third Term (14 Weeks)

• Schools reopen: Tuesday, April 20, 2027

• Schools close: Thursday, July 22, 2027.

• End-of-year vacation begins: July 23, 2027

GES confirms mid-term breaks.

The Ghana Education Service has also maintained its policy of providing a two-day mid-term break during each school term to give both teachers and pupils time to rest.

For the first term, the mid-term break has been scheduled as follows:

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• November 5 and 6, 2026

GES said the remaining midterm breaks will be observed according to the approved academic calendar.

BECE 2027 examination dates announced

The calendar also confirms the dates for the 2027 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

According to GES, the national examination for junior high school final-year students will take place from

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• Wednesday, May 5, 2027

• Wednesday, May 12, 2027

The confirmed timetable gives candidates, schools and examination officials ample time to prepare for one of Ghana's most important national examinations.

Public holidays to be observed

GES reminded all schools that official public holidays falling within the academic year must be observed in addition to the scheduled vacations and mid-term breaks.

The service urged regional, metropolitan, municipal and district directors of education, as well as heads of schools, to adhere strictly to the approved calendar and make the necessary preparations to ensure the smooth implementation of the 2026/2027 academic year.

The newly released calendar is expected to guide teaching, learning, examinations and other academic activities in all basic schools across Ghana throughout the 2026/2027 school year.