Secondary School Calendar 2027 Kenya: Grade 10 and Form 4 Dates
The secondary school calendar 2027 Kenya schools will follow is Part B of the Ministry of Education circular dated 19 October 2026, headed Senior and Secondary Schools. In 2027 that means Grade 10 learners starting senior school and Form 4 candidates working toward KCSE, all on the same set of dates. Grade 11 follows in 2028.
Below you will find every term, half-term and holiday, plus the KCSE window and a few practical notes for families.
Quick answer: Secondary and senior schools open on Monday 4 January 2027, close on 2 April, reopen on Monday 3 May, close on 30 July, reopen on Monday 30 August and close for Term III on 5 November 2027. KCSE 2027 runs from 8 to 26 November.
Secondary School Calendar 2027 Kenya: All Dates
This is Part B of the Ministry circular, headed Senior and Secondary Schools.
| Period | Starts / Opens | Ends / Closes | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term I | 4 January 2027 | 2 April 2027 | 13 weeks |
| Half-term break | 19 February 2027 | 28 February 2027 | 10 days |
| April holiday | 3 April 2027 | 2 May 2027 | 4 weeks |
| Term II | 3 May 2027 | 30 July 2027 | 13 weeks |
| Half-term break | 9 June 2027 | 20 June 2027 | 12 days |
| August holiday | 31 July 2027 | 29 August 2027 | 4 weeks |
| Term III | 30 August 2027 | 5 November 2027 | 10 weeks |
| KCSE 2027 | 8 November 2027 | 26 November 2027 | 3 weeks |
| December holiday | 6 November 2027 | 3 January 2028 | 8 weeks |
Want to compare with the primary dates, or grab a printable copy? Our 2027 school calendar Kenya PDF page shows both calendars side by side.
Term III and KCSE 2027
Term III is the shortest term at 10 weeks, and for Form 4 candidates it leads straight into KCSE. The circular puts the exam window from 8 to 26 November 2027, three weeks in total, which starts two days after Term III closes on 5 November. KNEC publishes the detailed timetable, subject by subject, so keep an eye on knec.ac.ke.
KCSE 2027 has been widely described as the final sitting for the 8-4-4 stream. If you are a candidate or a parent, confirm any registration or certificate questions directly with KNEC.
Grade 10 in 2027: What the Calendar Tells You
Grade 10 learners join senior school in January 2027 under the new curriculum. The calendar tells you when the term starts, but your admission letter and school instructions tell you where and how to report. If you are still sorting out the paperwork, start with checking your KJSEA placement, then download your admission letter.
Still choosing a pathway? Read about subject combinations for STEM, Social Sciences and Arts and Sports Science.
Form 3 Moving Up to Form 4
Form 3 learners in 2026 move into Form 4 in January 2027 and share the same calendar. Because Term I closes on 2 April, a week earlier than in primary school, plan revision and holiday tuition around the four-week April break rather than assuming it matches your younger children.
Planning the Year Around These Dates
- Term I and Term II are 13 weeks each, so expect fee requests at the start of each.
- The February (10 days) and June (12 days) breaks are good windows for revision.
- Candidates should plan around the 8 to 26 November KCSE window and avoid travel then.
- The December holiday runs from 6 November 2027 to 3 January 2028 on the circular.
More 2027 Calendar Guides
FAQ: Secondary school calendar 2027 Kenya
When do secondary schools open in 2027?
Term I opens on Monday 4 January 2027 for senior and secondary schools. Term II opens on 3 May and Term III on 30 August.
When does Term I close for secondary schools in 2027?
Term I closes on 2 April 2027, followed by a four-week April holiday that runs to 2 May.
When is KCSE 2027?
The circular lists KCSE 2027 from 8 to 26 November 2027. KNEC publishes the paper-by-paper timetable separately, so follow knec.ac.ke for the details.
Is KCSE 2027 the last KCSE?
It has been widely described that way, because the 8-4-4 cohort in Form 4 in 2027 is the final one. Confirm with KNEC and your school for anything that affects registration.
When are the half-term breaks for secondary schools?
The first is from 19 to 28 February (10 days) and the second from 9 to 20 June (12 days).
When do secondary schools close for December 2027?
Term III ends on 5 November 2027, and the December holiday runs from 6 November 2027 to 3 January 2028. KCSE candidates sit their exams from 8 November.
Where do I find my Grade 10 reporting date?
Your admission letter and placement details give your reporting instructions. See how to download your KJSEA admission letter and how to check your placement.
Joining Grade 10 in January?
Placement and admission letter questions are easier with a guide.
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