When each year group returns
On 7 August, the Ministry of National Education restated the timetable established by decision 047.26 of 3 July 2026. Staff preparation and pupil welcome days are separate from the start of teaching.
| September 2026 date | Who returns |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 1 | Administrative staff |
| Wednesday 2 | Teachers |
| Thursday 3 | Preschool; primary years 1–2; lower secondary year 1; common-core upper secondary |
| Friday 4 | Primary years 3–4; lower secondary year 2; first baccalaureate year |
| Saturday 5 | Primary years 5–6; lower secondary year 3; second baccalaureate year |
| Monday 7 | Compulsory lessons begin across the relevant school levels |
Non-formal education and second-chance schools start on 5 October. Families using a foreign school system should check their institution’s own calendar.
Official school holidays
Annex 1, printed page 8 of the ministry’s decision, includes both the first and last dates of each break.
| Break | Inclusive dates | Length |
|---|---|---|
| First mid-term break | 18–25 October 2026 | 8 days |
| Second mid-term break | 6–13 December 2026 | 8 days |
| Mid-year break | 24–31 January 2027 | 8 days |
| Third mid-term break | 21–28 March 2027 | 8 days |
| Fourth mid-term break | 9–16 May 2027 | 8 days |
Additional fixed holidays fall on 31 October, 6 and 18 November 2026, followed by 1, 11 and 14 January and 1 May 2027. Eid al-Fitr runs from 29 Ramadan to 2 Shawwal 1448, lasting three or four days; Eid al-Adha runs from 9 to 11 Dhu al-Hijjah. Islamic New Year falls on 1 Muharram 1449. Gregorian dates require official confirmation; a provisional conversion is an uncertain basis for non-refundable travel.
Examination dates for older pupils
The calendar schedules the first-year baccalaureate regional examination for 28–29 May 2027 and the main national baccalaureate session for 1–3 June. National resits are scheduled for 1–3 July, with results on 10 July. Pupils must also check individual examination notices, subject pathways, practical assessments and any subsequent ministry amendments.
Supplies and transport: build a realistic budget
The documents reviewed do not establish a single national shopping basket or a universal price for school supplies. Obtain the list for your child’s class, including textbook editions, before buying. Compare matching specifications: a cheaper exercise book in the wrong format may need replacing.
Separate one-off spending — bags, books and any registration charge — from recurring transport, meals, internet and activity costs. Check what can be reused, then buy confirmed requirements. An election promise of back-to-school assistance is not an existing benefit application.
For school transport, confirm the collection point, Wednesday and Saturday schedules, the responsible contact and arrangements when lessons finish early. Welcome day is also an opportunity to check class allocation and missing paperwork.
Regional arrangements and school reforms
The national reminder does not set different regional start dates. The school and its regional education academy, or AREF, provide local arrangements. Expansion of the pioneer-school programme does not mean every institution has already changed its teaching model. Ask whether your child’s school participates and how assessment and additional support will work.
Parents can use official Massar services to follow school records. Ask the school for help with access problems instead of creating duplicate records to replace a lost identifier. Our city weather guide can help with travel planning during the return to school.
Frequently asked questions
Does school start on 3 or 7 September?
Welcome sessions begin on 3 September for some year groups. Actual lessons start on 7 September across the relevant levels.
Do the holiday dates include Sundays?
Yes. Each of the five breaks runs for eight days, from Sunday to Sunday inclusive, in the official annex.
Can I rely on a timetable shared on social media?
Check that it identifies your school and the 2026–2027 year. Ask the school office to confirm any local change.
Further reading
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