BREAKING: Schools to Reopen One Week Later on September 7 

By Admin. Updated 11:26 a.m., Friday, July 31, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, Innovation, Digital Transformation and Information has postponed the reopening of schools for the start of the 2026–2027 academic year by one week, giving schools additional time to complete preparations before students return.

In a circular dated July 31, 2026, Chief Education Officer Mrs Mavis Findlay-Joseph informed heads of educational institutions that all schools will now reopen on Monday, September 7, 2026, instead of the previously scheduled date of Monday, August 31, 2026.

According to the ministry, the revised opening date is intended to facilitate the final preparations needed to ensure that schools are fully ready to welcome both students and staff for the new academic year.

School leaders have been asked to use the additional week to complete outstanding administrative and organisational tasks, including staff assignments, classroom preparation, orientation activities where necessary, and other measures aimed at ensuring a smooth start to the new term.

The ministry expressed appreciation for the continued cooperation and commitment of school leaders, noting that the additional preparation time is intended to support a positive and productive beginning to the academic year.

The circular was issued by Chief Education Officer Mrs Mavis Findlay-Joseph and copied several education stakeholders. 

The announcement comes after the government announced a VAT-free shopping day for school supplies for August 28, 2026.

People had expressed concerns about the closeness of the shopping day to the initial August 31st reopening of schools.

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