2026 School Structure and Key Guidelines

The Ministry of Education has officially announced the school operational plan for 2026, confirming that the first term for Government schools, Government-approved private schools, and Pirivenas will begin on January 5, 2026.

In a media statement issued on January 1, Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa stated that school hours will not be extended in 2026. This decision was made after considering the prevailing disaster conditions in the country and the damage caused to schools and transportation systems in several provinces. Accordingly, the existing school timetable will continue until full restoration of school and transport services is achieved.

Key Highlights for the 2026 School Year:

School Hours: Classes for Grades 5 to 13 will be conducted from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., following the standard schedule.
Daily Periods: Grades 6 to 13 will have seven periods per day, each lasting 45 minutes.
Education Reforms: The new education reform programme will be introduced for Grade 1 and Grade 6 in 2026.
Grade 6: Academic activities under the new reforms will commence on January 21, 2026.
Grade 1: Student identification will begin on January 5, while formal academic activities will start on January 29, 2026.
Learning Materials: Grade 1 activity books and Grade 6 learning modules will be distributed before the start of academic sessions. Textbooks for all other grades have already been issued.
2025 G.C.E. A/L Examination: The remaining subjects of the 2025 Advanced Level Examination will be held from January 12 to January 20, 2026.