New BECE Placement Rules Require Pre-Exam School Selection
The Free Senior High School (SHS) Secretariat announced on May 27, 2025, that Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates must select seven schools before their exams, a shift from the previous post-exam selection process. National Free SHS Coordinator Benetta Okiti Duah stated this change aims to reduce pressure and confusion during placement.
The new system, effective immediately and running until June 6, 2025, requires candidates to choose five main schools, ranked by preference, and two alternative schools from a designated list. Candidates must specify programs and residential preferences, including three boarding and two day schools, with selections finalized and unchangeable once submitted.
Selection guidelines limit candidates to one Category A school, no more than one Category B school as boarding and one as day, and allow all five choices from Category C, with three boarding and two day options. The Ghana Education Service introduced these rules to address past issues, including unauthorized selections by teachers and poor placement outcomes.
The Ministry of Education is finalizing negotiations to include private schools in the Free SHS placement process, aiming to phase out the double-track system. Deputy Minister Dr. Clement Apaak noted that private schools’ participation will expand capacity and improve access, following productive engagements with stakeholders.