GES Reverses Double-Track System for SHS 1 Students: All First-Years to Report October 18
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced the reversal of the Double-Track system for Senior High School (SHS) 1 students, effective from the 2025/2026 academic year.
Damian Owusu 
In a significant shift in Ghana’s secondary education policy, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced the reversal of the Double-Track system for Senior High School (SHS) 1 students, effective from the 2025/2026 academic year.
According to a directive issued by the GES, all first-year SHS students—whether enrolled in single-track or transitional schools—are expected to report to school on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
The Double-Track system, introduced under the previous administration, aimed to accommodate increased enrollment under the Free SHS policy. However, it drew criticism for disrupting academic continuity and straining infrastructure.
The reversal is seen as a strategic move to:
1.Streamline the academic calendar
2.Reduce congestion in schools
3.Enhance teaching and learning consistency
GES emphasized that this change is part of a broader effort to restore normalcy and improve quality across second-cycle institutions.
Academic Calendar Highlights
The newly released calendar outlines:
Start date: October 18, 2025
End dates:
Single-track schools: August 21, 2026
Transitional double-track schools: September 4, 2026
The GES has directed all Regional Directors of Education to circulate the calendar and ensure strict adherence across schools.
Parents, teachers, and students are urged to take note of the revised reporting date and prepare accordingly. The GES has pledged to provide monitoring and support to ensure smooth implementation. “The Service counts on your usual cooperation to ensure effective teaching and learning in our institutions for the 2025/2026 academic year,” the circular stated.
This policy shift opens up commentary on:
The long-term viability of Free SHS.
Infrastructure readiness for full single-track implementation.
The politics of education reform in Ghana.
