School Calendar for Third Term: Crucial Dates for KCSE, KPSEA, JSS and KILEA

Schools in Kenya have started re-opening on Monday, 25th August, for the third and final term of the 2025 school calendar.

As per the Ministry of Education, the third term for all schools should commence on Monday, 25th August 2025, and continue to Friday, 24th October 2025, a total of 9 weeks.

Schools will then proceed for the December holiday from 27^th October 2025 to 2^nd January, a period of ten weeks to allow the 2026 school calendar to begin on 5^th January 2026.

National Examination Dates

KPSEA (Kenya Primary School Education Assessment)

KPSEA is a national assessment administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to Grade 6 learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). 

It marks the end of primary education and guides the transition into Junior Secondary School (Grade 7).

The 2025 KPSEA will run from 27^th to 30^th October 2025, with evaluation in 5 key areas:

1. Mathematics
2. English
3. Kiswahili
4. Integrated Science
5. Creative Arts & Social Studies

KILEA (Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment)

KILEA is a new national assessment introduced by KNEC as part of the competence-based curriculum for grade six learners.

KILEA 2025 will run from 27^th to 31^st August 2025, with rehearsals set for Friday 24^th October 2025.

KILEA consists of four papers, each assessed through performance tasks:

1. Communication, Social & Literacy Skills
2. Daily Living Skills & Religious Education
3. Sensory Motor Integration & Creative Activities
4. Numeracy, Environmental & Psychomotor Activities

KJSEA (Kenya Junior School Education Assessment)

KJSEA is a national assessment administered to Grade 9 learners under CBC and marks the climax of Junior Secondary School and guides transition into Senior Secondary School (SSS).

Rehearsals for KJSEA are scheduled for 24^th October 2025, and the assessment period is from 27^th October to 6^th November 2025.

Learners are assessed in 12 Core Subjects: English, Kiswahili/KSL, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Health Education, Pre-Technical & Career Education, Social Studies, Religious Education (CRE/IRE/HRE), Business Studies, Agriculture, Life Skills, Sports & PE.

The learners are also assessed in optional subjects, from which they must choose one or two subjects from the following: Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Home Science, Computer Science, Foreign Languages, Indigenous Languages, and Kenyan Sign Language.

Also Read: Top Shops for Primary and Secondary School Uniforms in Nairobi

Over 1.2 million Grade 9 learners will sit the first-ever Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).

KPLEA – Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment

KPLEA is designed for learners with special needs who follow the Stage-Based Pathway and focuses on practical life and vocational skills rather than academic subjects.

The rehearsals are set for Friday, 24th October 2025, and the assessment period runs from 27th to 30th October 2025.

Learners are assessed in Communication, Daily Living Skills, Mathematics Activities, Music & Movement, Religious Education, Physical & Health Education, Hygiene & Nutrition, Environmental Activities, Social Studies.

The assessment is entirely performance-based, using tasks like picture making, garment making, woodwork, sculpture, farming, weaving, and more.

To be eligible, learners must have either intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, or multiple disabilities, which must be identified by teachers and registered by schools.

KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education)

KCSE 2025 is set to begin on 3^rd to 21^st November 2025, with rehearsals set for Friday, 17^th October 2025.

According to the timetable, oral exams for French, German, Arabic, Kenyan Sign Language, and Music will be conducted on Tuesday, 21^st October 2025.

Practical exams will then follow from 22^nd to 31^st October 2025, the subjects involved being Home Science, Art & Design, Woodwork, Metalwork, Building Construction, Electricity, and Music.

Theory papers will begin on 3rd November and continue to 21st November, with the last paper being the Physics practical.

Candidates typically sit for 7 to 9 subjects, including:

• Compulsory: English, Kiswahili, Mathematics
• Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics (at least two)
• Humanities: History, Geography, CRE/IRE/HRE (at least one)
• Optional: Business Studies, Agriculture, Computer Studies, Home Science, etc. 

Each paper is graded out of 100 marks, and the final mean grade is calculated from the best 7 subjects.

Key Changes

No mid-term breaks, prayer days, or non-academic activities are allowed during Term 3 as KNEC aims to curb exam malpractice and maintain integrity.

Also Read: Govt Issues Directives To All PSVs Ahead of School Reopening

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is finalizing materials for Grades 11 and 12, set to launch in 2027 and 2029, respectively, as this term is critical for transition planning under CBC.

Schools with fewer than five candidates must register through approved centers, and centers with fewer than 30 candidates will be hosted elsewhere as per KNEC guidelines.

Any examination irregularities will be dealt with under the KNEC Act No. 29 of 2012, Sections 27–40.

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