The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) have introduced a new reform to the Senior High School placement system for candidates preparing to sit for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Under the new arrangement, candidates will now be required to select at least two Category A schools during the school selection process.
The reform forms part of efforts aimed at improving fairness, efficiency, and transparency in the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). Education authorities believe the new policy will also help reduce placement challenges that occur each year after the release of BECE results.
Category A schools are among the top performing and highly competitive second cycle institutions in the country. In previous years, many candidates selected mostly Category B and C schools, limiting their chances of placement into some of the nation’s most prestigious schools. The new directive seeks to encourage students to broaden their choices while increasing opportunities for qualified candidates.
According to education stakeholders, the reform is expected to improve the distribution of students across schools and ensure that available spaces in top institutions are fully utilized. Guidance and counselling coordinators in basic schools are also expected to assist candidates and parents in making informed choices based on academic performance, programme availability, and residential preferences.
Parents and guardians have been advised to carefully support their wards during the selection process to avoid errors that may affect placement. Candidates are encouraged to choose schools realistically and prioritize institutions that match their strengths and career ambitions.
Some education analysts have welcomed the move, describing it as a strategic step toward strengthening the placement system. However, others have called on the government and GES to intensify public education on the reforms to ensure that students, parents, and teachers fully understand the new requirements before the selection exercise begins.
The 2026 BECE is expected to attract thousands of candidates from both public and private basic schools across the country. With the introduction of the new placement reforms, stakeholders remain hopeful that the process will become more effective and beneficial to students nationwide.