BECE candidates will be required to choose 7 schools this year – Free SHS Coordinator

Candidates sitting for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will now be required to select seven schools for placement before they write the exams.

According to the Free Senior High School (SHS) Secretariat, the move is aimed at easing the pressure on parents and pupils during the placement process.

The National Free SHS Coordinator, Benetta Okiti Duah, made the announcement at a news conference in Accra on May 27.

Previously, pupils were allowed to choose their preferred schools after sitting for the BECE.

But this often led to agitation among parents and guardians, some accusing teachers of making school selections without their consent.

Concerns were also raised over poor placement outcomes, with several students complaining they weren’t placed in the schools they actually chose.

Now, the Ghana Education Service has reviewed the system.

The new process will require all BECE candidates to select seven schools ahead of the exams, in a bid to streamline placement and reduce confusion.

Madam Okiti Duah said, “this year’s placement starts immediately and will end on June 6, candidates who wish to enter SHS/TVET schools must with guidance from parents, guardians and school authorities, select seven schools in total, five main and two alternative.”

She added that, “your five main schools should be ranked in order of placement with the first being the most preferred choice, your two alternatives should be selected from appendix three for consideration if not placed in any of the five main choices.

“Select programmes and residential preferences in each of the schools, three boarding and two day schools. Candidates may select one category B as boarding and another category B school as day, candidates may also select one category C school boarding and another category C school as day.”

Madam Okiti Duah, also cautioned that once a student makes their selection, it cannot be changed.

“Candidates placed in any of the school choices will not be changed, candidates cannot also choose more than one from category A, candidates cannot select two schools from category B, candidates may select all five schools from category C, three boarding two day,” she emphasised.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education is in the final stages of negotiations with private schools to be included in the placement process.

The move is part of efforts to phase out the double track system.

The Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Clement Apaak says the initiative is a crucial step toward improving access and efficiency in the Senior High School Placement System.

“We have been working very very diligently to bring on board private senior high schools to participate in the delivery of the Free Senior High School programme. Meetings have been held, engagements have been done, and we are very certain that the diligence we expect from our side and the eagerness by the private schools, we know the private schools will deliver,” he said.

The post BECE candidates will be required to choose 7 schools this year – Free SHS Coordinator first appeared on 3News.

Read Full Story