Schools across Ghana are officially vacating today in line with the Ghana Education Service (GES) approved 2025/2026 academic calendar. The vacation affects Basic Schools, Junior High Schools, and Senior High Schools, marking the start of the Christmas break and travel period for students.
The vacation period allows students to rest while schools prepare for the continuation of academic work in the new year. Parents are advised to take note of the varying reopening dates depending on school level and track.
Basic Schools: Vacation and Reopening Dates
For Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior High Schools, the Christmas vacation begins on Friday, 20 December 2025, and ends on Sunday, 4 January 2026.
Basic Schools are scheduled to reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026, after which teaching and learning will continue toward preparations for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
BECE 2026: What Candidates Should Know
Although the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is expected to announce the final timetable later, the BECE 2026 is expected to take place between May and June 2026, based on the GES academic structure.
Final-year JHS pupils are encouraged to use the vacation period productively, as the examination determines placement into Senior High Schools nationwide.
Senior High Schools: Single Track and Transitional Track Updates
For Single Track SHSs, SHS 3 students are already in school, while SHS 1 and SHS 2 students reopened earlier in October 2025. A major vacation period for SHS 1 and SHS 2 runs from 28 February to 3 May 2026, with the academic year ending in August 2026.
Under the Transitional Track, reopening and vacation dates vary by form, with SHS 2 reopening in January 2026 and an Easter break scheduled from 1 to 8 April 2026.
WASSCE 2026 Official Dates Confirmed
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for SHS 3 students is officially scheduled to run from 20 April to 20 June 2026, as stated in the GES calendar.
This applies to both Single Track and Transitional Track schools.
Important Notice to Parents and Students
Parents are encouraged to monitor official GES and WAEC announcements, especially regarding BECE timetables and any adjustments to reopening dates. The proposed reopening date for the 2026/2027 academic year is 11 September 2026, subject to confirmation.
Clear Table: Basic School vs SHS Dates (2025/2026)
Basic Schools (KG, Primary, JHS)
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Vacation begins | 20 December 2025 |
| Christmas break ends | 4 January 2026 |
| Reopening date | 5 January 2026 |
| Expected BECE period | May – June 2026 |
| End of academic year | After BECE (mid-2026) |
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Senior High Schools (SHS)
Single Track
| Form | Key Dates |
|---|---|
| SHS 3 reopening | 11 October 2025 |
| SHS 1 & 2 reopening | 18–20 October 2025 |
| Christmas break | 20 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 |
| Major vacation (SHS 1 & 2) | 28 Feb – 3 May 2026 |
| WASSCE | 20 April – 20 June 2026 |
| End of academic year | August 2026 |
Transitional Track
| Form | Key Dates |
|---|---|
| SHS 1 reopening | 18 October 2025 |
| SHS 2 reopening | 5 January 2026 |
| Easter break | 1 – 8 April 2026 |
| WASSCE | 20 April – 20 June 2026 |
| End of academic year | September 2026 |
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