The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially announced that all first-year Senior High School (SHS) students will report to school on Saturday, 18th October 2025. This reopening date, which applies to both Single Track and Transitional schools, forms part of the newly released GES 2025/2026 academic calendar.
According to a circular signed by Mr. Prince C. Agyemang-Duah, Director of the Schools and Instructions Division at GES, the academic calendar has been designed to provide clear guidance on term dates, vacation periods, public holidays, and other important notes. The directive is aimed at ensuring that teaching and learning are carried out smoothly and consistently across all senior high schools in Ghana.
As part of the rollout, GES has directed all Regional Directors of Education to circulate the academic calendar to heads of second-cycle institutions within their regions. Heads of SHS have also been instructed to adhere to the calendar strictly to maintain uniformity nationwide. In the circular, GES emphasized its commitment to practical academic work, stating that the Service counts on the cooperation of school authorities and stakeholders to deliver a successful 2025/2026 academic year.
Key education stakeholders have also been formally notified. These include the GES Council, the Director-General of TVET, WAEC, and the Free SHS Secretariat under the Ministry of Education. Their involvement ensures proper coordination and support for the implementation of the calendar.
For parents and guardians, this announcement provides clarity and allows them to prepare adequately for their wards’ entry into senior high school. Students are encouraged to get ready with all necessary materials, while school authorities are expected to implement measures to receive and integrate the fresh SHS students without challenges.
In summary, the official reopening date for first-year SHS students in Ghana is Saturday, 18th October 2025, as the Ghana Education Service confirmed. This announcement gives certainty to parents, students, and schools while setting the tone for a well-organized 2025/2026 academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will SHS students reopen in Ghana for the 2025/2026 academic year?
First-year SHS students will reopen on Saturday, 18th October 2025, according to the GES.
2. Does the reopening date apply to Single Track and Transitional schools?
Yes. The reopening date applies to all new students in Single Track or Transitional schools.
3. What should parents and guardians do before school reopens?
Parents and guardians are encouraged to prepare their wards with the necessary items for SHS and ensure they are ready for school reopening on the scheduled date.
George Amoah
