The Ghana Education Service (GES) in a bold move has officially confirmed that the 2025/2026 academic calendar for senior high schools (SHS) will remain unchanged.
The announcement, released on January 2, 2026, emphasizes continuity in the education system, particularly for Forms 1 through 3. This decision comes as schools prepare to reopen, with reporting dates set to begin as early as January 5 for various tracks. The GES highlighted the importance of this schedule in maintaining educational momentum following recent challenges in the sector.
The calendar outlines a structured timeline for the academic year, with terms concluding between June and September depending on the specific track assigned to each school. This framework is designed to accommodate the double-track system, which has been in place since 2018 to address overcrowding in public senior high schools. Under this system, students alternate between on-campus learning and off-campus periods, allowing for more efficient use of limited facilities. The GES release assures parents and stakeholders that all adjustments have been made to ensure a smooth transition without disrupting core learning objectives.
A key feature of the confirmed calendar is the integration of off-campus learning strategies to prevent any perceived breaks in education. During these periods, students are encouraged to engage in self-guided projects accessible through free resources on the official GES website, ges.gov.gh. This approach promotes independent study while aligning with national curriculum standards. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering self-reliance among learners, even when they are not physically in school.
Ghana Education Service 2025/2026 Academic Calendar for Senior High Schools
Ghana Education Service Announces the 2025/2026 Academic Calendar for Senior High Schools Amid Ongoing Discussions.
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Complementing the online resources, the Ministry of Education (MoE) will continue daily television broadcasts via Multi TV, offering structured lessons across various subjects. Additionally, schools are mandated to utilize their learning management systems to provide assignments, virtual classes, and progress tracking. These measures ensure that off-campus time is productive and counts toward academic credits, effectively bridging any gaps in traditional classroom instruction. Educators have been advised to prepare digital content in advance to support this blended learning model.
Public reactions to the GES announcement have been largely positive, with many praising the early confirmation for allowing better family and school planning. Parents and teachers expressed relief over the predictability, noting that it helps in budgeting for school fees and coordinating extracurricular activities. On social media platforms, users highlighted the calendar’s role in reducing uncertainty, especially in a post-pandemic era where educational disruptions have been common. This enthusiasm reflects a broader appreciation for proactive governance in Ghana’s education landscape.
However, some concerns have emerged regarding accessibility, particularly in rural areas where internet connectivity and television access may be limited. Critics argue that while urban students can easily tap into ges.gov.gh and MoE broadcasts, their rural counterparts might face barriers, potentially widening the educational divide. Questions have also been raised about the full integration of the double-track system, with calls for more transparent metrics on its effectiveness in improving learning outcomes. These issues have sparked discussions among education advocates, urging the GES to invest in infrastructure upgrades.
Looking ahead, the unchanged calendar signals a period of stability for Ghana’s senior high education, but it also invites ongoing evaluation of the double-track model introduced nearly a decade ago. As the academic year kicks off, stakeholders are optimistic that these provisions will enhance student performance and equity. The GES has invited feedback through its channels, promising to address any emerging challenges promptly to support the nation’s youth in achieving their full potential.
