Parents with school-going children will see the new education curriculum introduced grade by grade over the next few years. The Ministry of Education has issued a circular explaining how schools should prepare their timetables during this transition.
The circular, issued under the signature of Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa, outlines the grade-by-grade implementation schedule.
The reforms began with Grade 1 in 2026. From 2027, the changes will reach Grades 2 and 6, followed by more grades each year.
This means children in different grades will not move to the new curriculum at the same time. Some students will continue studying under the existing syllabus while others begin the revised programme.
New Curriculum Implementation Timeline
The Ministry has outlined the following schedule for introducing the new curriculum:
| Year | Grades moving to the new curriculum |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Grade 1 |
| 2027 | Grades 2 and 6 |
| 2028 | Grades 3 and 7 |
| 2029 | Grades 4, 8 and 10 |
| 2030 | Grades 5, 9 and 11 |
| 2031 | Grade 12 |
Parents should pay particular attention to the 2027 changes. Children entering Grades 2 and 6 will begin the new curriculum, while other grades will follow the arrangements applicable to them.
Which Grades Will Continue the Existing Curriculum?
The Ministry has also clarified that some students will remain under the existing curriculum during the transition.
In 2027, students in Grades 3, 4 and 5 will continue with the current syllabus. In 2028, this arrangement will apply to Grades 4 and 5.
By 2029, only Grade 5 will remain under the existing curriculum among the grades identified for this transition.
As a result, schools must prepare their timetables according to the curriculum applicable to each grade and academic year. This will help manage the transition while students continue their education under the relevant programme.
First A-Level Examination Under the New Curriculum in 2033
The new curriculum for senior secondary education is scheduled to reach Grade 12 in 2031.
Students following this programme are expected to sit the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination for the first time in 2033.
For parents, the key point is that the education reforms will not affect every student in the same year. The changes will depend on the grade their children enter and the implementation schedule issued by the Ministry.
Last modified: November 4, 2026
