GES announces date for SHS reopening 2026, The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially announced that all Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) in Ghana will reopen on Monday, 5th January 2026. This confirmation follows a press release issued by the GES Public Relations Unit on 2nd January 2026.
According to GES, the 2025/2026 academic calendar remains unchanged, as earlier approved at the beginning of the academic year. The announcement applies to Single Track Schools and Transitional Schools, with specific provisions made for online and off-campus learning to manage student population and ensure effective academic delivery.
2025/2026 Academic Calendar for Single Track SHS
Forms 1 and 2
Students in Forms 1 and 2 under the Single Track system will report to school from 5th January to 27th February 2026. This will be followed by a break from 27th February to 3rd May 2026. Academic work will resume on 4th May 2026 and continue until 21st August 2026, marking the end of the academic year.
Form 3
Form 3 students will report on 5th January 2026 and remain in school until 27th February 2026. They will observe a short break from 28th February to 13th March 2026 and resume on 14th March 2026. The school year will officially end on 21st June 2026, ahead of final examinations.
2025/2026 Academic Calendar for Transitional SHS
Form 3
Form 3 students in Transitional Schools will report to school from 5th January to 31st March 2026. An Easter break will be observed from 1st April to 8th April 2026, after which students will resume academic activities from 9th April to 21st June 2026, marking the end of the school year.
Form 2
Form 2 students will report to school from 5th January to 15th March 2026. This will be followed by an online or off-campus learning period from 16th March to 17th April 2026, a vacation period from 18th April to 17th May 2026, and a final reporting period from 18th May to 4th September 2026, which concludes the academic year.
Form 1
Form 1 students will begin the academic year with online or off-campus learning from 5th January to 30th January 2026. They will then go on vacation from 31st January to 15th March 2026. Students will report to school from 16th March to 17th May 2026, continue with another off-campus learning period from 18th May to 12th June 2026, observe a vacation from 13th June to 2nd July 2026, and finally return to school from 3rd July to 4th September 2026, marking the end of the academic year.
Important Notice to Parents, Students, and School Authorities
The Ghana Education Service has urged parents, guardians, students, and school administrators to carefully take note of all reporting dates, vacation periods, and online learning schedules. GES emphasized that the off-campus learning arrangement is a temporary and strategic measure designed to ensure smooth academic operations during the transition phase.
GES reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining quality education, discipline, and academic continuity across all public SHS and SHTS institutions nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will SHS reopen in Ghana in 2026?
All SHS and SHTS students will reopen on Monday, 5th January 2026.
Is the GES academic calendar for 2025/2026 changed?
No. GES has confirmed that the calendar remains unchanged.
Which schools will use online or off-campus learning?
Online and off-campus learning applies mainly to Transitional Schools, particularly Forms 1 and 2.
