Ministry of Education Confirms 2027 Term Dates for Group B School States

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Education has published the official 2027 school calendar, confirming term dates and holidays for all states under the Group B classification. The calendar, which applies to schools in a specific set of states, provides clarity for parents, educators, and administrators planning the academic year ahead.

The Group B grouping includes states where the school week runs from Sunday to Thursday, aligning with regional working patterns. For 2027, the academic year for these states will begin on 1 January and conclude on 18 November, with the school year divided into three terms. The first term runs from 1 January to 17 March, the second from 2 April to 9 July, and the third from 23 July to 18 November. Each term is separated by a one-week mid-term break, and the year-end holidays are scheduled from 19 November to 31 December.

The distinction between Group A and group b school states has been a standard feature of Malaysia's education system for several years, allowing for variations in the school week based on regional preferences. Group A states, which follow a Monday-to-Friday school week, have their own separate calendar. For 2027, the Ministry has aligned both calendars to ensure a consistent total of instructional days across the country, while accommodating the different weekly rhythms.

Parents and teachers in group b school states should note that the 2027 calendar includes several key public holidays that fall within term time. These include Hari Raya Cina in February, Hari Raya Aidilfitri in April, and Deepavali in October. Schools are expected to close on gazetted public holidays, and the Ministry has advised that additional school holidays may be declared by state authorities where applicable. For example, the Sultan of Johor's birthday and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's birthday for certain states may result in extra days off, subject to state-level announcements.

The 2027 calendar also specifies exam periods. The mid-year examinations are scheduled for May, while the end-of-year examinations will take place in October and early November. For students in examination years, such as Form 3, Form 5, and Form 6, the Ministry has published separate timetables for the Malaysian Certificate of Education and other national exams, which are not part of the school calendar but are coordinated by the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate.

School administrators have been reminded to update their internal schedules accordingly. The Ministry has released the calendar in both digital and print formats, with a circular sent to all state education departments and district education offices. Schools are expected to disseminate the calendar to parents through official channels, including notice boards and communication apps, before the start of the academic year.

The announcement comes as part of the Ministry's annual planning cycle, which typically sees the school calendar published in the fourth quarter of the preceding year. For 2027, the calendar was finalised after consultations with state education departments, teacher unions, and parent-teacher associations. The Ministry has stated that the calendar aims to provide a balanced distribution of school days and holidays, with no term exceeding 12 weeks of continuous instruction.

For families in group b school states, the 2027 calendar presents an opportunity to plan holidays and family events around school breaks. The two-week mid-year break, which falls in July, coincides with the peak holiday season in Malaysia, and the Ministry has noted that parents should book travel and accommodation early, as demand for domestic tourism is expected to be high during this period. The year-end break, which begins in November, offers a longer window for international travel, though the Ministry has advised that families check visa and passport requirements well in advance.

Educators have also been briefed on the 2027 calendar. Teachers in group b school states will report for duty on 27 December 2026 for the start of the 2027 academic year, with a two-day orientation and planning session before students arrive on 1 January. The Ministry has confirmed that teacher training days and school-based professional development sessions will be scheduled during the mid-term breaks, to minimise disruption to classroom instruction.

The 2027 calendar is the latest iteration of a system that has evolved over several decades. The Group A and Group B classification was introduced to accommodate the different working weeks in Malaysia, where some states observe a Sunday-to-Thursday working week while others follow a Monday-to-Friday schedule. The Ministry has maintained this system to ensure that schools in all states operate in harmony with local business and government hours.

For the benefit of parents new to the system, the Ministry has published a FAQ on its website explaining the differences between the two groups. The FAQ clarifies that group b school states include Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu. These states are predominantly located in the northern and eastern regions of Peninsular Malaysia. Group A states, which include the remaining states and federal territories, follow the Monday-to-Friday school week. The Ministry has emphasised that both groups receive the same number of school days and holidays, adjusted only for the different weekly schedules.

The publication of the 2027 calendar also serves as a reminder for parents to update their contact details with schools, as schools will use official communication channels to relay any changes or updates to the calendar. The Ministry has stated that while the calendar is final, unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or public health emergencies may require adjustments, and schools will be notified through official channels if changes are necessary.

Industry observers have noted that the early publication of the 2027 calendar allows for better planning across sectors that rely on the school calendar, including tourism, transportation, and retail. Hotels and airlines in Malaysia typically see a surge in bookings during school holidays, and the advance notice provided by the Ministry helps these industries manage capacity and pricing. Similarly, parents who work in the private sector can use the calendar to plan their annual leave and childcare arrangements.

The Ministry has also reminded schools that the 2027 calendar applies to all government and government-aided schools in the relevant states. Private and international schools are not bound by the Ministry's calendar, though many choose to align their schedules with the national system to facilitate student transfers and examination logistics. Parents enrolling their children in private schools should check with the individual institution for its specific term dates.

In summary, the 2027 school calendar for group b school states provides a clear framework for the academic year, with term dates, holidays, and exam periods all specified. The Ministry's early release of the calendar supports planning for families, educators, and businesses alike. As the new academic year approaches, stakeholders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the calendar and to stay updated through official Ministry channels for any announcements.

About the 2027 School Calendar

A guide to the 2027 school calendar in Malaysia, including holidays, term dates, and state groupings by the Ministry of Education.