BECE candidates to now select their choice of SHS before writing exams

Candidates sitting for this year’s BECE will now be required to select seven schools for placement before they write the exams.

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

National Free SHS Coordinator Okiti Duah announced at a news conference in Accra.

In a major change to the school placement process, candidates for this year’s BECE will now be required to select seven schools before writing their exams.

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.

She also cautioned that once a student makes their selection, it cannot be changed.

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.

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.