The Ministry of Education has published the official 2027 school calendar, setting the reporting dates, term lengths, half-term breaks and national exam windows for pre-primary, primary, junior, senior and secondary schools, as well as diploma teacher training colleges.
Key Takeaways
- Term One for learners begins on 4 January 2027.
- Primary and junior national assessments run from 1–5 November 2027; KCSE runs from 8–26 November 2027.
- Half-term breaks start on 19 February and 9 June; the August holiday runs from 31 July to 29 August.
- Secondary and primary/junior terms share start dates but differ slightly in break lengths.
- Diploma teacher training colleges follow a separate cycle beginning on 5 January 2027 and ending in November.
What the 2027 school calendar says
The 2027 school calendar was issued in an official circular and applies to all levels of basic education. It names report days, term lengths, mid-term breaks and the dates for national assessments. Schools and teacher training colleges must align their programmes with these dates.
Pre-primary, primary and junior schools
For pre-primary, primary and junior levels:
- Term One: 4 January – 9 April (14 weeks). Half-term break: 19–28 February (9 days).
- April holiday: 10 April – 2 May (3 weeks).
- Term Two: 3 May – 30 July (13 weeks). Mid-term break: 9–20 June (11 days).
- August holiday: 31 July – 29 August (4 weeks).
- Term Three: 30 August – 5 November (10 weeks). Primary and junior assessments (KPSEA, KILEA, KJSEA, KPLEA) run 1–5 November.
- Long holiday: 8 November 2027 – 3 January 2028 (8 weeks).
Senior and secondary schools
Senior and secondary schools follow a similar pattern with small differences to allow for final exams:
- Term One: 4 January – 2 April (13 weeks). Half-term: 19–28 February (10 days).
- April holiday: 3 April – 2 May (4 weeks).
- Term Two: 3 May – 30 July (13 weeks). Mid-term: 9–20 June (12 days).
- Term Three: 30 August – 5 November (10 weeks). Schools close 5 November but Form Four candidates sit the KCSE from 8–26 November.
- Long holiday: 6 November 2027 – 3 January 2028 (8 weeks).
Teacher training colleges
Diploma teacher training colleges run a separate cycle:
- Academic year opens 5 January 2027. The first block (labelled Term Two) runs 5 January – 2 April (13 weeks).
- April break: 5–23 April (3 weeks).
- Next block (Term Three): 26 April – 30 July (14 weeks). August break: 2–20 August (3 weeks).
- Final block (Term One): 23 August – 12 November (11 weeks). Colleges close and observe an eight-week holiday from 15 November 2027 – 8 January 2028.
Important dates at a glance
- Report day (all learners): 4 January 2027.
- Half-term breaks: 19–28 February and 9–20 June.
- August holiday: 31 July – 29 August.
- Primary & junior assessments: 1–5 November 2027.
- KCSE 2027 dates: 8–26 November 2027.
- Schools reopen after long holiday: 4 January 2028 (break runs to 3 January).
- Colleges close for the year: 12 November 2027.
How schools and families should prepare
Use the calendar to plan school fees, transport, family travel and co-curricular activities. Align parent meetings and sports days with term dates and half-term breaks. For examination preparation, use targeted resources early in the year. For example, teachers and learners can find past papers and practice material for CBC assessments at CBC exam resources, primary exam practice at KCPE exam materials, and senior school revision resources at KCSE revision exams.
Implementation and confirmations
The circular was distributed to regional, county and sub-county education directors and copied to the Cabinet Secretary for Education, the TSC, KNEC and the Council of Governors. Head teachers, principals and boards of management must adjust school programmes, fee schedules and co-curricular calendars to match the official dates. Parents should confirm final dates with their school administration or the sub-county education office.
Practical tips for a smooth year
- Print and display the calendar in staffrooms and reception areas.
- Set term-by-term academic targets and assessment plans early.
- Schedule key meetings and fee payment dates to avoid clashes with holidays.
- Communicate exam windows to Form Four and primary/junior candidates well in advance.
The 2027 school calendar is the official planning guide for the year. Any change must be issued in a fresh circular from the Ministry of Education.
