The Ministry of Education has officially released the 2025 academic calendar, detailing term dates, holidays, and national assessments. According to the announcement, schools will reopen for the new academic year on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Below is a breakdown of the school term dates, holidays, and examination schedules for 2025:
Term Dates for 2025
| Term | Opening Date | Closing Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 6th January 2025 | 4th April 2025 | 13 weeks |
| Half-Term (Term 1) | 26th February 2025 | 2nd March 2025 | 5 days |
| Term 2 | 28th April 2025 | 1st August 2025 | 14 weeks |
| Half-Term (Term 2) | 25th June 2025 | 29th June 2025 | 5 days |
| Term 3 | 25th August 2025 | 24th October 2025 | 9 weeks |
Holiday Periods
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| April Holiday | 7th April 2025 | 25th April 2025 | 3 weeks |
| August Holiday | 4th August 2025 | 22nd August 2025 | 3 weeks |
| December Holiday | 27th October 2025 | 2nd January 2026 | 10 weeks |
National Examination Dates
Kenyan students will undertake crucial national assessments in the latter half of the year:
| Examination | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPSEA (Kenya Primary School Education Assessment) | 27th October 2025 | 30th October 2025 | 4 days |
| KILEA (Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment) | 27th October 2025 | 31st October 2025 | 5 days |
| KJSEA & KPLEA (Junior & Pre-Vocational Assessments) | 27th October 2025 | 6th November 2025 | 9 days |
| KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) | 3rd November 2025 | 21st November 2025 | 3 weeks |
Key Details of the 2025 Academic Calendar
The 2025 calendar balances term lengths with holiday breaks to ensure adequate learning time while providing sufficient rest for students and teachers. Key highlights include:
- Shorter January Term: Term 1 will last 13 weeks, starting on January 6, 2025, and concluding on April 4, 2025, followed by a three-week break.
- Half-Term Breaks: As part of the schedule, each term includes a five-day half-term break. This aims to relieve academic pressure on students and teachers, allowing time for refreshment and preparation for the remainder of the term.
- National Assessments in October: National examinations for all levels are clustered towards the end of the year, starting with the KPSEA, KILEA, and Junior assessments in late October and the KCSE running into November.
- Long December Break: The school year concludes on October 24, 2025, after which students will enjoy an extended December holiday lasting until January 2026.
Tips for Parents and Students
With these dates now public, parents and students are encouraged to start planning early for the academic year ahead. Key preparation steps include:
- Exam Readiness: Students in transition years (Grade 6, Grade 8, and Form 4) should begin studying well in advance to excel in national assessments.
- Holiday Activities: Parents should consider engaging their children in educational and recreational activities during the long breaks to maintain a balanced learning experience.
The Ministry of Education has emphasized the importance of adhering to these dates to ensure smooth operations across schools.
For more updates on school news and academic guidelines, stay tuned to K47 Digital News.
