Basic Schools

BECE 2026 Begins May 4: GES Releases Full Exam Date and Basic School Academic Calendar

13th July 2025

Ghana Education Service sets official timetable for next year’s BECE and academic year planning

GES announces the 2026 BECE will start on May 4 and end May 11. The new academic calendar for basic schools (2025/2026) includes term dates, midterm breaks, and vacation periods.

By Ferdinand Ellis | EducationGhana.org | July 13, 2025

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially announced that the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will take place from Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 11, 2026. This announcement, captured in a press release signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at GES, forms part of the newly approved 2025/2026 Academic Calendar for Basic Schools.

The BECE is Ghana’s critical transitional exam, determining placement into Senior High Schools and Technical Institutions. With the calendar now released, school heads, parents, and teachers are expected to gear up for an efficient and well-prepared academic year.

🗓 BECE 2026 Exam Dates Confirmed

According to GES, this year’s BECE will maintain the early-May schedule as part of efforts to realign the academic calendar to the pre-COVID-19 timeline.

BECE 2026 Details:

Start Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
End Date: Friday, May 11, 2026
Organised by: West African Examinations Council (WAEC)
Target: JHS 3 Students (Public and Private)

“All heads of schools, parents, and guardians are urged to take note of these dates and ensure adequate preparation for a smooth and effective academic year,” – GES.

📘 Full 2025/2026 Academic Calendar (Basic Schools)

The academic year will span three terms, with detailed reopening, vacation, and midterm schedules:

🧾 First Term (15 Weeks)

Reopening: 2nd September 2025
Mid-Term Break: 31st October – 3rd November 2025
Closing Date: 18th December 2025
Vacation: 19th Dec 2025 – 7th Jan 2026

🧾 Second Term (12 Weeks)

Reopening: 8th January 2026
Closing Date: 1st April 2026
Vacation: 2nd April – 20th April 2026

🧾 Third Term (13 Weeks)

Reopening: 21st April 2026
Closing Date: 23rd July 2026
Vacation Begins: 24th July 2026

🔔 Note: All statutory holidays will be observed throughout the academic year.

🎓 GES Commends Stakeholders

GES used the opportunity to express appreciation to heads of schools, teachers, parents, and the entire education community for ensuring a successful 2024/2025 academic year, which officially ends on Thursday, 24th July 2025.

“Management also wishes to thank all school heads, teachers, parents, students, and stakeholders for their dedication and hard work.” – Daniel Fenyi, GES.