The Elementary and Secondary Education Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a clarification confirming that the province’s existing Friday and Saturday weekend schedule for government schools will remain unchanged, while allowing limited exceptions for examination duties in winter-zone institutions.
The clarification applies across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is intended to address confusion created after an earlier directive issued on June 15 regarding revised school timings and a period-wise teaching system. The update is particularly relevant for schools in winter-zone districts where examinations are currently underway or scheduled under previously approved timetables.
Weekend schedule to remain in place
According to an official notification issued by the Directorate of Elementary and Secondary Education, regular weekly holidays will continue as normal. However, schools located in designated winter zones will remain open on Fridays and Saturdays only for examination-related activities.
The department stated that no routine teaching or co-curricular activities will be conducted during these days, and schools will strictly operate in line with already issued examination schedules.
Staff attendance rules during exams
The notification further clarifies that if examinations are scheduled for all classes, attendance of both teaching and non-teaching staff will be mandatory. In cases where exams are held for selected grades, only relevant staff members assigned to examination duties will be required to attend.
School heads have been instructed to ensure timely communication of examination schedules and to make necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of exams without inconvenience to students.
Temporary arrangement for exam period
Education officials said the arrangement is temporary and will remain in effect only during the ongoing examination period. Any future changes to school opening or closing schedules will be issued separately by the provincial government or education department.
District Education Officers (DEOs) have also been directed to circulate the notification to all public schools in their respective areas and ensure strict compliance.
Officials say the move is aimed at preventing disruptions in examinations, ensuring timely completion of the academic calendar, and supporting the smooth announcement of results and start of the next academic session.
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