Expansion of Free SHS to Private Schools, Updates Selection
The Government of Ghana announced that the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy will extend to private schools, aiming to reduce congestion in public institutions and phase out the double-track system. Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Clement Apaak announced during a press briefing in Accra.
Dr. Apaak stated that the inclusion of private schools fulfills a campaign promise and follows extensive consultations with stakeholders. The initiative leverages private school infrastructure to accommodate more students, addressing capacity constraints and operational challenges in public schools.
Many private schools have expressed readiness to meet Free SHS standards, ensuring equitable educational access, particularly in underserved areas. The policy is expected to streamline the academic calendar, eliminating the double-track system that alternates student attendance to manage overcrowding.
Alongside this expansion, the Ministry launched revised school selection guidelines for 2025 BECE candidates, allowing seven school choices instead of six, from May 27 to June 11. Candidates must select one Category A school, up to two from Category B, and the rest from Category C, with TVET applicants choosing from TVET institutions.
Dr. Apaak reaffirmed the government’s commitment to monitoring the expanded Free SHS program to maintain quality and integrity, ensuring parity between public and private school students while removing barriers to education access across Ghana.