Ghana Education Service (GES) Reverses Double-Track System – First-Year SHS Students to Report on October 18, 2025. The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced a major change in the country’s secondary school system. In a newly released directive, the GES has officially reversed “cancelled” the double-track system that was introduced during the tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Alongside this policy shift, the service has confirmed that first-year students in Senior High Schools (SHS) will report to their various institutions on Saturday, 18th October 2025, to commence the 2025/2026 academic year.
The double track came with several problems. Students spent more weeks or months at home on vacation than they spent while in school every each academic year. This compelled parents to enroll their learners in expensive vacation classes. The situation created extra financial burdens for parents and affected teaching and learning for all students.
GES Announces New Academic Calendar for 2025/2026
According to a statement signed by Prince C. Agyemang-Duah, Director of the Schools and Instructions Division on behalf of the Acting Director-General, the GES instructed all Regional Directors of Education to circulate the updated academic calendar to Heads of Second Cycle Institutions.
The circular emphasized strict adherence to the calendar to ensure smooth implementation across schools. The attached document provides detailed term dates, holidays, and guidelines for both Single Track and Transitional Schools.
Key Highlights from the GES Directive
Reversal of the Double-Track System
The double-track system, initially introduced to manage the high intake of students under the Free SHS policy, will no longer apply.
This means that schools will return to the standard academic schedule, allowing students to attend continuously without alternating terms.
Reporting Date for First-Year Students
All first-year students (Single Track and Transitional Schools) are to report on Saturday, 18th October 2025.
Heads of schools are required to make adequate preparations to welcome new students and ensure a smooth start to the academic year.
Directive to Regional Directors
Regional Directors must ensure full compliance with the new academic calendar.
Monitoring and support are to be provided to school heads for effective implementation.
Public Reactions to the Announcement
Following the announcement on the official GES Facebook page, many Ghanaians expressed mixed reactions:
Daniel Kpedor questioned:
“What exactly is the situation with those in form one double-track schools? Does this mean they will remain at home without completing their second semester until January 2026?”Shamel Mawuli raised concerns about online learning, saying:
“Why the online and offline again? How many of the students have gadgets to learn online? Who would pay for data for the facilitator and learner?”Owusu Michael called for recruitment of graduate teachers:
“University graduates who are still pending with consideration must be posted to fill the vacancy at the SHS to support teachers and learning.”Saeed A. Faruk appealed for shorter terms:
“We were expecting a termly timetable, oooo the semester is always so long.”
These comments highlight the need for clear guidelines and communication to ensure a seamless transition to the revised system.
Implications of Reversing the Double-Track System
The reversal of the double-track system comes with several implications:
Improved Academic Consistency – Continuous learning schedules are expected to reduce learning gaps caused by alternating school attendance.
Increased Demand for Infrastructure and Staff – Schools may require more classrooms, dormitories, and teachers to accommodate the growing student population.
Policy Adjustment and Monitoring – The Ministry of Education and GES must monitor the impact of this reversal to ensure that teaching and learning standards are not compromised.
Importance of the October 18, 2025 Reporting Date
The specified reporting date marks the official start of the 2025/2026 academic year for first-year SHS students. Adherence to this timeline is crucial for:
Smooth Curriculum Implementation – Teachers and administrators can follow a consistent timetable.
Parental Planning – Parents and guardians can make adequate preparations for fees, supplies, and transportation.
National Education Goals – Aligning academic activities ensures that the Free SHS initiative continues to deliver quality education.
READ: GES Releases 2025/2026 SHS Academic Calendar Ahead of BECE Results
FAQs – GES Reversal of Double-Track System & SHS Reporting Date
1. What is the new reporting date for first-year SHS students?
Saturday, 18th October 2025.
2. Does this mean the double-track system is cancelled completely?
Yes, GES has announced a full reversal, and schools will operate under the standard academic schedule.
3. Will this change affect students currently in double-track schools?
GES has yet to provide full details regarding transitional arrangements for current students. Further clarification is expected.
4. Why was the double-track system reversed?
Stakeholders raised concerns over academic disruptions, infrastructure challenges, and equity issues. The reversal aims to restore continuous learning.
5. Where can parents and students access the new academic calendar?
The official calendar is available via GES regional offices and the GES Facebook page (@ges.gov.gh).
READ: How to Calculate BECE Aggregate Correctly – 2025 Guide with Example
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