Starting in 2025, candidates sitting for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will be required to select seven schools before taking the exams, according to the Free SHS Secretariat. This shift in the school placement process is part of the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) efforts to enhance transparency, reduce confusion, and improve access to quality education.
New School Selection Policy for 2025 BECE Candidates
The National Free SHS Coordinator, Benetta Okiti Duah, announced the new policy during a press briefing in Accra on May 27. Under the revised guidelines, BECE candidates must now choose their preferred schools ahead of the exams instead of waiting until after the results are released.
Why the Change? GES Explains the Rationale
Previously, school selections were done post-exams, which often led to last-minute stress and placement issues. Some parents complained that teachers made choices on behalf of students without proper consultation. Others expressed concerns over students being placed in schools they didn’t select. GES believes this new policy will help streamline the placement process and eliminate such grievances.
How the Pre-Exam Selection Process Works
Here’s a step-by-step look at how the revised system will operate:
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School Selection Phase: Candidates, with guidance from parents and schools, will select up to seven schools before sitting for the BECE.
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Submission of Choices: Selections will be submitted through a centralised GES system.
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Placement Processing: Once BECE results are released, the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) will process placements based on the pre-submitted choices.
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Publication of Placements: Students will receive their placements shortly after results are published, reducing wait times and confusion.
Involving Private SHSs in the Free SHS Programme
The government is also working to include private senior high schools in the Free SHS programme. Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, stated, “We have been working very diligently to bring on board private senior high schools… and we know the private schools will deliver.” This inclusion is expected to expand capacity and ensure that no qualified student is left out.
What Parents and Students Need to Know
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Consult Early: Parents are encouraged to work closely with schools and children during the selection process.
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Understand School Categories: Familiarise yourself with the categories (A, B, C, and D) of schools to make balanced choices.
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Stay Informed: More updates will be released by the Free SHS Secretariat as the selection window opens.
FAQs or Common Concerns:
Q: Why are students now choosing schools before the BECE?
A: To reduce placement delays and confusion, and to ensure selections are made with parental involvement.
Q: Can students change their selections after submission?
A: No details on post-submission changes have been confirmed yet, but candidates are advised to make their choices carefully.
Q: Will all seven choices be considered during placement?
A: Yes. The placement system will consider all selected schools based on merit and available space.
Call to Action (CTA):
Parents and teachers should begin discussing school options with students early. Stay tuned to GES and Free SHS Secretariat updates for key dates and guidelines on the selection process.
