The Official GES 2026 Second Semester Calendar for Second Cycle Institutions has been released. Per the official directive signed by Prince C. Agyemang-Duah, Director of the Schools and Instructions Division, the second semester is structured to provide ample contact hours for teaching and exam preparation.
1. Single Track Schools: Second Semester Plan
Single-track institutions operate on a continuous schedule with clear reopening dates for the final half of the academic year.
- Form 3 (Final Year): The final-year student will be in school from 13th March 2026 to 21st June 2026 (14 weeks). The focus of educators and students will be intensive WASSCE preparation and final coursework.
- Forms 1 & 2, on the other hand, will be in school from 4th May 2026 to 21st August 2026 (16 weeks). The semester ends on 21st August 2026.
2. Transitional (Double Track) Schools: Second Semester Plan
The transitional system uses a mix of on-site and off-site (online) learning to manage student capacity.
- Form 3: * In School: 14th February 2026 – 21st June 2026 (18 weeks).
- Easter Break: 1st April – 8th April 2026.
- Form 2: * In School: 18th May 2026 – 4th September 2026.
- Note: This period follows an online learning block from 16th March to 17th April 2026.
- Form 1: * In School: 16th March 2026 – 12th June 2026 (13 weeks total, including online sessions).
- Final Phase: 3rd July 2026 – 4th September 2026.
READ: Official GES 2025/2026 Second Term Calendar for Basic Schools: Key Dates & Holidays
WASSCE 2026: Key Examination Dates
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is the most critical event of the second semester for Form 3 students. The WASSCE for school candidates will start earlier than usual in the last eight years. This means both students and teachers will have to work hard and cooperate to achieve a lot in the semester and be ready for the WASSCE.
The official WASSCE 2026 examination period per the GES update is 20th April – 20th June 2026. It does not look like the WASSCE 2026 exam will be a Ghana-only version of the WASSCE.
Important Holidays and Events for SHS Students and Teachers
- Independence Day: Friday, 6th March 2026 (Public Holiday).3
- Military Open Day: Monday, 9th March 2026. Students are encouraged to visit military bases to interact with personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Easter Vacation (Transitional): 1st April – 8th April 2026.
Summary Table: 2026 Second Semester Reopening Dates
| Student Group | System Type | Reopening Date |
| Form 3 | Single Track | 13th March 2026 |
| Form 3 | Transitional | 14th February 2026 |
| Form 1 & 2 | Single Track | 4th May 2026 |
| Form 2 | Transitional | 18th May 2026 |
| Form 1 | Transitional | 16th March 2026 |
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