UAE: Sharjah confirms new private school calendar for 2025–2026, key changes every parent should know

TL;DR:

• Sharjah’s Private Education Authority ( SPEA ) released the 2025–2026 school calendar for private schools (excluding foreign curricula).

• Classes start August 25, 2025, and end July 2, 2026; winter break runs December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026; spring break is March 16–22, 2026.

• The calendar aims for consistent academic planning and educational quality across Sharjah’s private schools.

The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has unveiled its detailed academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year , bringing structure and clarity to all private schools in the Emirate except those following foreign curricula. This move is set to help families and educators plan the new academic year with confidence.

Key dates and schedule:

• Start of Academic Year: August 25, 2025
  
• End of Academic Year: July 2, 2026
  
• Winter Break: December 8, 2025 to January 4, 2026 (classes resume January 5, 2026)
  
• Spring Break: March 23 to March 29, 2026 (classes resume March 30, 2026)
  

This calendar specifically applies to all private schools in Sharjah, with the exception of those following foreign curricula, which have separate schedules. International curriculum schools usually follow a similar calendar but should confirm specifics with their school administration.

Consistency and alignment:
The calendar’s primary aim is to ensure a level of consistency across diverse private educational institutions in Sharjah, promoting predictable term times, unified holidays, and coordinated breaks for students, teachers, and parents. This helps facilitate curriculum planning, timely assessments, and better student well-being throughout the academic year.

Comparison to other curricula:

• Indian Curriculum Schools (such as CBSE, ICSE): Traditionally start their academic year in April and end in March, with a long summer break and a different schedule for holidays and examinations.
  
• Other Foreign Curriculums: May follow the Sharjah SPEA calendar or maintain alignment with their home country’s educational frameworks, but still adhere to UAE regulatory requirements for the minimum number of instructional days and key holidays.

These clearly defined dates empower parents and educators to confidently book holidays, organize extracurricular activities, and manage key family events. For educators, the structure makes lesson planning, exam scheduling, and professional development more efficient, while students benefit from fair periods of study and rest in line with best educational practices.

Sharjah’s 2025–2026 private school calendar is designed to foster consistency, quality, and advanced planning among families and educational institutions. By standardizing term dates and holiday periods, the SPEA ensures that Sharjah school communities are well prepared for a productive, balanced, and enriching academic year.

FAQ

• 1. When does the 2025–2026 school year start and end for Sharjah private schools?
  The academic year begins on August 25, 2025, and concludes on July 2, 2026.

• 2. Are Indian curriculum schools included in this calendar?
  No, the released calendar applies only to private schools in Sharjah that do not follow foreign curricula.
  
• 3. What are the official dates for winter and spring breaks?
  Winter break is from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026; spring break is from March 16 to March 22, 2026.