The Conference of Heads of Private Second-Cycle Schools (CHOPSS) has assured parents that they are ready to absorb the 54,985 candidates who were unable to secure placement into Senior High Schools under the 2026 Computerised School Selection and Placement System.
In a press statement issued by Naphtali A. Kyei-Baffour, Head of Communications at CHOPSS on September 3, 2026, CHOPSS said it had taken note of reports indicating that 54,985 candidates who sat for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) were not placed in schools under the current arrangements.
CHOPSS assured parents, guardians and the affected candidates that private second-cycle schools are willing to provide them with quality education and an opportunity to continue their academic pursuits.
“CHOPSS wishes to assure parents, guardians and the affected candidates that Private Second-Cycle Schools across the country are ready and willing to absorb these students and provide them with quality second-cycle education and the opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations,” the statement said.
CHOPSS noted that private second-cycle schools have for the past provided second chance for students who fell outside the cut-off points for admission into public Senior High Schools.
According to the Conference, many of the students who were admitted into private schools went on to improve academically, develop relevant skills and confidence, and subsequently gained admission to tertiary institutions in Ghana and abroad.
CHOPSS has called on its accredited member schools to consider admitting the affected candidates at discounted and affordable fees, where possible.
The Conference said this would allow more families to gain access to quality second-cycle education despite the challenges associated with the current placement system.
“CHOPSS therefore calls on all accredited member schools to consider admitting the affected candidates at discounted and affordable fees, where possible, to enable more families to access quality second-cycle education,” the statement added.
It stressed that failure to secure placement into a public Free SHS institution should not be viewed as the end of a child’s educational journey, but rather as an opportunity to explore alternative educational pathways.
CHOPSS has therefore urged parents and guardians to contact accredited private second-cycle schools within their catchment areas to enquire about available programmes, admission opportunities and applicable fees.
The Conference also said its Secretariat is available to provide information on accredited private second-cycle schools and assist parents in identifying institutions in their respective areas.
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to identify and contact accredited CHOPSS member schools within their catchment areas to enquire about admission opportunities, programmes offered and applicable fees.
“The CHOPSS Secretariat is also available to provide information on accredited private second-cycle schools under the Conference and assist parents in identifying schools within their respective areas.”
CHOPSS expressed confidence that with the collective commitment of private second-cycle schools, parents, guardians and other stakeholders in education, the current placement challenge can be transformed into an opportunity to give these candidates a new beginning and a brighter future.
