The Term 2 Calendar of the 2025/2026 academic year released by the Ghana Education Service (GES) comes with 5 Key Changes that may escape teachers, students, parents, and the general public if a critical analysis is not done. These changes are part of a broader effort to restore stability and introduce modern learning features to the Ghanaian education system.
GES Term 2 Academic Schedule (2025/2026)
| Event / Activity | Date(s) | Impact / Note |
| Term 2 Reopening | Thursday, Jan 8, 2026 | Official start for Basic & SHS Single-Track |
| Integrated Off-Campus Learning | Jan 5 – Jan 30, 2026 | Mandatory for SHS Form 1 (Transitional) |
| Mid-Term “Rest” Break | Feb 26 – Feb 27, 2026 | Two-day break for staff and students |
| Independence Day Holiday | Friday, March 6, 2026 | Public Holiday (No School) |
| Term 2 Vacation Begins | Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | End of Term 2 for Basic Schools |
| Easter Break | April 2 – April 20, 2026 | Extended vacation period |
| BECE 2026 Preparation | April 2026 | 1-month “Strategic Buffer” for JHS 3 |
| BECE 2026 Start Date | Monday, May 4, 2026 | Critical Exam Window begins |
The 5 Key Changes Explained
1. Restoration of the Pre-COVID Schedule
The most significant change is the full restoration of the traditional academic calendar. The 2025/2026 cycle has officially returned to the September-to-July format. This helps parents and teachers predict reopening dates with ease, moving away from the confusing shifts seen between 2017 and 2024.
2. Strategic Gap Before BECE
JHS 3 students now have a dedicated “buffer period” after Term 2 ends on April 1. With the BECE scheduled for May 4 to May 11, 2026, students and teachers have nearly a full month for revisions, solving past questions, and conducting intensive mock papers without the pressure of regular class hours.
3. Integrated Off-Campus Learning (SHS Only)
For Transitional SHS tracks, learning doesn’t stop during home periods. Form 1 students will utilize MoE TV and school LMS platforms from Jan 5 to Jan 30. This shift ensures educational continuity, though access to data and devices remains a talking point for stakeholders.
4. Mandatory Mid-Term “Rest” Periods
Standardized two-day mid-term breaks are now a permanent fixture to combat burnout. For this term, a short respite in late February provides a necessary breather during the year’s longest academic stretch.
5. Standardized Public Holiday Observation
A strict directive ensures that holidays like Constitution Day (Jan 7) and Independence Day (March 6) are observed strictly. No “extra classes” are permitted, emphasizing a culture of rest and national celebration across all public and private basic schools.
The GES Term 2 academic calendar for the 2025/2026 session is more than just a list of dates; it is a strategic roadmap toward a more stable and modern educational system in Ghana. By prioritizing the restoration of the pre-COVID schedule and introducing innovative features like Integrated Off-Campus Learning, the Ghana Education Service is addressing the long-standing confusion surrounding school reopening dates. For parents, understanding the strategic gap before the BECE and the mandatory mid-term rest periods is essential for effective planning. As basic schools across the country resume today, staying informed on these standardized public holiday observations and calendar shifts will ensure a smoother academic journey for both students and educators
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