The Ministry of Education has officially released the school calendar for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, introducing a new structure aimed at improving student well-being and enhancing educational continuity. The new schedule, which applies to all public and most private schools following the Ministry’s curriculum, features key changes to term dates and holiday breaks.
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Anticipated 2025-2026 School Vacation Schedule
- Winter Break: This will be a three-week break, running from December 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
- Spring Break: This break will be one week long, from March 24, 2026, to April 3, 2026.
- Summer Break: The school year will end on July 3, 2026, with the summer vacation beginning on July 4, 2026, and lasting until the start of the next academic year.
Key Changes and Dates
The academic year will begin for teachers on August 25, 2025, with students returning to classrooms on August 28, 2025. This earlier start date is a notable shift from previous years.
The first term will run until December 11, 2025, followed by a three-week winter break, a significant extension from the usual two weeks. Students will resume classes on January 5, 2026, for the second term.
The new calendar also introduces a short spring break of just one week from March 24 to April 3, 2026. This shorter break is designed to minimize disruptions to the academic flow in the middle of the second term.
The school year will conclude on July 3, 2026, allowing for a longer summer holiday period, which is expected to be well-received by families.
Rationale Behind the New Calendar
The Ministry of Education explained that the new calendar is part of a broader strategy to optimize learning outcomes. The extended winter break is intended to provide students and teachers with a more substantial rest period, helping to reduce burnout and improve focus for the second half of the school year. The shorter spring break, conversely, aims to maintain momentum and ensure that key curriculum objectives are met without a lengthy interruption.
“This calendar is a strategic step towards a more balanced and effective learning environment,” said a Ministry spokesperson. “We’ve listened to feedback from educators and parents, and this schedule is designed to support the academic and emotional health of our students.”