The 2024-2025 academic year concluded Thursday with students across Malé and the outer atolls receiving their final report cards and embarking on their year-end holidays. Beginning on 26 May 2024, the academic year officially came to a close today.
Schools across the country marked this occasion with vibrant ceremonies where report cards were distributed. This year's end-of-year holiday uniquely coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, adding a special dimension to the celebrations.
Recent administrative revisions to the academic calendar set the new academic year to commence on 7 April. According to the Ministry of Education's calendar, the first-term holiday is scheduled to begin on 24 July, followed by the start of the second term on 10 August. The academic year will then conclude on 28 December.
Traditionally, the academic year commenced in January. However, changes prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic led to school closures and subsequent schedule adjustments. By 2021, the administration had moved the start of the academic year to August, leading to school holidays in June and July. These months typically bring rains due to the southwest monsoon, complicating travel to the islands and creating challenges for students, parents, and guardians during the holidays.
During the 2023 presidential campaign, concerns about the timing of school holidays were brought to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's attention. In response, President Dr Muizzu announced a return to the traditional January start date for the academic year, ensuring that school holidays would once again fall in December. This decision was communicated within the first 100 days of his tenure.
Consequently, the academic year is now scheduled to begin in January 2026. The upcoming school holidays will extend from 28 December 2025 to 27 January 2026, aligning with the December holiday period as previously practised.