Schools reopen for second term after 16-day break

The second term of the academic year officially began on Sunday, as scheduled in this year’s academic calendar.

Schools reopened this morning following the first-term holidays, with a large number of students returning to classes. Students went on break on July 16 after completing the first term, and with the Independence Day holiday included, they received a total of 16 days off, a closure of just over two weeks.

According to the Ministry of Education, more than 84,000 students are enrolled from preschool to Grade 12 this year, taught by over 9,000 teachers.

The academic calendar states that the current school year will conclude in December. Students will receive their annual holiday from December 18 until January 16, 2027.

The next academic year is scheduled to begin on 17 January 2027. 

The change is part of efforts to realign the school calendar after adjustments made during previous administrations, when the academic year was shifted to mid-year following Covid-19 lockdowns. It also addresses public concerns over annual holidays falling during the peak monsoon period, which makes travel difficult for many families.