The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has issued a media release announcing the definitive schedule for the final phase of the 2025 school year and the commencement of the 2026 academic year, alongside important examination dates.
School Reopening and Term Dates
- Final Term End/New Year Break: The last working day for the current academic year (2025) is confirmed for Monday, December 15, 2025. This brings the total number of school days to 9,929 out of a scheduled 10,076 days.
- 2026 First Term Commencement: All government and government-approved private schools will commence the first term of the 2026 academic year on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
- Staff Reporting: The administrative and non-academic staff of schools are requested to report to duty on Monday, December 15, 2025.
- Christmas/New Year Holidays: The full first school term for 2026 will start on December 16, 2025.
- Muslim Schools: The first term for Muslim Schools will commence later, on Thursday, January 2, 2026.
Examinations Schedule
- G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Exam: The curriculum for the G.C.E. O/L Examination (scheduled in 2026 for the 2025 batch) will cover material up to Grade 11 only.
- G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Exam: The commencement of the G.C.E. A/L Examination (for the 2026 batch) and other future examinations are provisionally scheduled to begin on Saturday, December 12, 2026.
Special Note
The Ministry requests the cooperation of all Provincial Councils to ensure the proper management and smooth commencement of educational activities across all regions in line with the new academic schedule
