The Ministry of Education has officially released the 2025 Term 3 school calendar, detailing important dates, public holidays, and the national examination schedule for learners across the country.
According to the announcement from the Office of the Principal Secretary of Basic Education, the third term commenced on Monday, August 25, 2025, and will run until Friday, October 24, 2025. The term spans just nine weeks, making it the shortest of the year. However, it remains the most critical, as it is the period when national assessments and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations are conducted.
Learners will enjoy two national holidays during the term: Mazingira Day on Friday, October 10, and Mashujaa Day on Monday, October 20, 2025. Both holidays fall on weekdays, giving students two extended three-day weekends before the close of the term.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has outlined a detailed exam schedule to guide schools. The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) for Grade 6 learners is set for October 27–30, while the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) will run from October 27–31, targeting learners with special needs at the intermediate level.
At the junior school level, the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and the Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA) will both take place from October 27 to November 6, spanning nine days. These assessments play a crucial role in monitoring learner progress under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
For secondary schools, the highly anticipated KCSE examinations for Form Four candidates will begin on November 3 and conclude on November 21, lasting 18 days.
Once schools close, learners will embark on a 10-week December holiday beginning October 27, 2025, and ending January 2, 2026. As has been the directive in past years, Term 3 remains a restricted period, meaning non-essential activities and school visits are suspended to ensure focus and minimal disruptions during the national exam season.
This structured calendar underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining consistency in learning while providing ample time for learners to rest and prepare for the next academic year.
