SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Education (MOE) has officially released the academic calendar for the 2026 school year, detailing term start dates, school holidays, and public holidays for all levels—from kindergarten to junior college.
Parents, students, and educators can now begin planning for the upcoming year as MOE schools prepare to welcome students back in January 2026.
School Year Starts on January 2 for Most New Students
The 2026 school year will begin on Friday, January 2, for Kindergarten 1 (K1) and Primary 1 (P1) pupils, as well as Secondary 1 (Sec 1) students in MOE schools. This early start helps younger students adjust to their new school environments with dedicated orientation sessions.
Meanwhile, students in Primary 2 to Primary 6 and Kindergarten 2 (K2) will report to school on Monday, January 5, following the usual school term schedule.
The academic year for all MOE kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools will officially conclude on Friday, November 20.
Term Dates for JC and Millennia Institute Students
Students entering their first year in junior colleges (JC1) and Millennia Institute (MI1) will commence school on Wednesday, February 4.
Returning students in JC2, as well as MI students in their second and third years, will begin classes earlier—on Monday, January 12.
The school year will end on October 23 for institutions that serve as GCE O-Level written examination venues. This early dismissal supports the logistical needs of national exams and allows schools to make necessary preparations.
Meanwhile, all other JC1 and MI students in their first or second years will complete their academic year on Friday, November 27.
Scheduled School Holidays for 2026
In addition to the standard school term breaks, MOE has outlined three designated school holidays in 2026:
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Monday, July 6: A scheduled school holiday following Youth Day, which falls on Sunday, July 5.
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Friday, September 4: In celebration of Teachers’ Day.
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Friday, October 2: Recognised as Children’s Day, applicable for primary schools and kindergartens.
These holidays offer students and educators much-needed breaks during the mid-year stretch and celebrate the contributions of youth and teachers in Singapore.
Public Holidays That Affect School Schedule
The 2026 public holiday schedule also includes adjustments that will impact school operations. According to MOE and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM):
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Hari Raya Puasa is expected to fall on Saturday, March 21. As a result, schools will close on Monday, March 23, subject to official confirmation of the date.
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Vesak Day, National Day, and Deepavali will each fall on a Sunday. In line with national practice, the following Monday will be declared a public holiday for each.
These changes allow for consistent rest periods and make it easier for families to plan extended breaks or celebrations around cultural events.
Six Long Weekends in 2026
For families and working parents looking ahead to the next opportunity for a getaway, Singaporeans can expect six long weekends in 2026, thanks to the way public holidays fall in the calendar.
The Ministry of Manpower’s gazetted public holiday list, released on June 16, includes several holiday dates that fall on Fridays or Mondays, giving residents the perfect chance to unwind or travel without taking extra leave.
This news is especially useful for planning family vacations during non-peak periods, while also ensuring students return to school well-rested after extended weekends.
Stay Updated on the Full MOE Calendar
The full breakdown of the 2026 school terms and holidays is available on the MOE website, where parents and students can also find updates on specific school events, exam periods, and other important milestones.
You can view the calendar at: www.moe.gov.sg/calendar
As always, MOE encourages schools to communicate directly with parents on any school-specific dates, including orientation sessions, parent-teacher conferences, or exam schedules.
Summary
The 2026 school year will kick off on January 2 for new K1, P1, and Sec 1 students, followed by other levels on January 5. Junior college and Millennia Institute schedules will differ slightly, with staggered start and end dates based on cohort levels. Special school holidays have been confirmed for July 6, September 4, and October 2, alongside multiple long weekends aligned with national holidays.
Whether you’re a parent preparing for your child’s first day of school, or a student mapping out your holiday plans, the updated school calendar gives everyone a head start in organizing a successful academic year.
Stay tuned for future updates from MOE, and don’t forget to bookmark the academic calendar page for quick reference throughout the year.
