The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has officially announced the academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year for private schools in the emirate. The new schedule introduces a longer summer break and early finish dates, ensuring better planning for parents, students, and schools alike.
In a move set to benefit thousands of students, parents, and educational institutions, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has released the academic calendar for private schools in the emirate for the 2025-2026 school year. The calendar includes key details about term dates, holidays, and exams, offering clear guidance for school communities well in advance.
According to the newly released calendar, private schools following foreign curricula will commence classes for the new academic year on August 28, 2025, while schools that follow the Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum will begin on September 1, 2025. The staggered start reflects the diversity of academic systems in Sharjah and aligns with national educational strategies.
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One of the most significant features of the upcoming academic year is the longer winter and spring breaks, providing students with more rest between academic terms. The winter break for all private schools will run from December 15, 2025, to January 2, 2026, giving students nearly three weeks off. Meanwhile, the spring break is scheduled from March 30 to April 10, 2026, aligning with the holy month of Ramadan, expected to fall in March.
This structure not only supports student well-being but also allows for cultural and religious observances to be respected within the educational framework.
Another highlight is the early summer vacation. For foreign curriculum schools, the last day of classes will be June 26, 2026, while MoE curriculum schools will close on July 3, 2026. This schedule ensures students receive the required minimum of 182 instructional days, in compliance with national standards.
The summer break allows families to plan longer holidays, while schools get additional time for campus maintenance and teacher training.
SPEA has emphasized the importance of flexibility and inclusivity in the school calendar. All private schools must ensure the number of instructional days meets federal requirements, but they are also encouraged to cater to their specific curriculum needs. This includes accommodating international board exam schedules such as IGCSE, IB, and A-levels.
The authority has made the full calendar available online through its official website and digital channels, allowing parents, teachers, and school leaders to access and download it easily. The transparency is part of a broader initiative by Sharjah’s education authorities to enhance parental engagement and school-community communication.
Sharjah’s updated school calendar aligns with the UAE’s vision for a future-ready education system, promoting academic excellence while balancing student mental health and family time. SPEA’s proactive approach also reflects broader regional efforts to standardize academic timelines and improve educational consistency across emirates.
Officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining quality education by issuing calendars well in advance, thus ensuring schools can plan resources, staff schedules, and academic goals effectively.
The early release of the calendar has been met with positive feedback from both parents and educators. Many families appreciate having the ability to plan holidays, summer activities, and extracurricular engagements in advance. Schools also welcome the clarity, which allows them to align their term assessments, teacher recruitment, and curriculum delivery strategies accordingly.
Several school principals noted that the balanced distribution of holidays throughout the year plays a key role in managing student fatigue and maintaining enthusiasm for learning.
Conclusion:
The release of the 2025–2026 academic calendar by SPEA demonstrates a commitment to structured, student-centered learning that takes into account academic requirements, religious holidays, and family needs. As Sharjah continues to enhance its educational ecosystem, such forward-thinking initiatives reaffirm its role as a leading hub for quality education in the UAE.
