The Ministry of Education and Sports has officially authorised international schools in the country to continue with Term Two instruction and proceed with ongoing examinations, providing clarity for schools operating under foreign academic calendars. The decision is contained in a letter dated 21st January 2026 addressed to all proprietors and principals of international schools.

In the communication, the Ministry acknowledged that international schools follow different academic calendars that are aligned with global examination systems such as Cambridge International Examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), the French National Baccalaureate, and the American system of education. According to the Ministry, these calendars are structured to meet international assessment requirements and do not always align with the national school calendar.

The Ministry further noted that learners in international schools had already reported for Term Two instruction before the government officially announced the reopening of schools and other educational institutions on 10th February 2026. This situation prompted concerns from school administrators regarding the legality and continuity of instruction and examinations already underway.

To address these concerns and avoid disruption to learning, the Ministry of Education and Sports granted formal approval for international schools to continue with Term Two lessons and proceed with ongoing examinations. The authorisation allows schools to operate in accordance with their approved curricula, examination timetables, and existing quality assurance frameworks.

The Ministry emphasised that the decision was made in the interest of ensuring continuity of learning and the orderly administration of academic programmes, particularly for learners preparing for internationally recognised examinations. Officials stressed that halting instruction or examinations would negatively affect learners and undermine the integrity of international assessment systems.

Despite the approval, the Ministry reminded proprietors and principals that all international schools must remain fully compliant with the Education Act, relevant regulations, and any guidelines issued by the Ministry from time to time. Schools were cautioned that government oversight remains in place and that adherence to national education standards is mandatory regardless of the academic system being followed.

The Ministry also stated that it will continue to monitor and supervise the implementation of academic activities in international schools to ensure compliance with regulatory and quality assurance requirements. This supervision aims to safeguard learner welfare and maintain consistency in education standards across the country.

The letter was signed by Dr. Cleophus Mugenyi on behalf of the Permanent Secretary and copied to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, as well as the Ministers of State for Education and Sports, underscoring the importance of the directive.

This clarification is expected to reassure international school administrators, parents, and learners, while providing certainty as schools continue with Term Two instruction and examinations under internationally recognised education systems.