The Ghana Education Service has extended the period for Junior High Scholl graduates to select their preferred Senior High Schools.
The new deadline is June 25, 2025.
This follows the decision to include selected private schools in the Free Senior High School programme.
“Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) wishes to inform all Heads of Junior High Schools (JHS) that the deadline for the school selection process has been extended to Wednesday. 25th June, 2025,” a letter signed by the Director, Schools and Instructions Division, Mr Prince Agyemang-Duah revealed.
“This extension has become necessary due to the inclusion of private Senior High Schools (SHSs in the selection process, allowing candidates additional time to make well-informed choices. Please note that all existing guidelines and procedures for the school selection process remain unchanged,” the statement dated June 13 indicated.
Mr Agyemang-Duah encouraged student “to consult with their teachers, parents, and guardians to make informed and thoughtful decisions regarding their second cycle school education. Regional Directors are by this letter kindly to communicate this updated deadline to all Metro, Municipal, District Directors of Education to bring this to the attention it final year JHS students through their respective head teachers and encourage them to take full advantage of the extended period to carefully review and select their preferred schools.
“For your reference a supplementary register of second cycle schools of the newly added private schools has been attached:
In a related development, the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has said that the Ministry of Education and its agencies have announced a significant milestone in the implementation of the FSHS policy, with the release of the first list of selected private schools to be included in the pilot program.
This development underscores the Ministry’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and promoting equity in educational opportunities.
A statement issued by the National Executive Director of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS), Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, on June 14 provided key highlights as follows:
1. Collaborative Effort: The Ministry is working closely with stakeholders, including the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS), to ensure a smooth implementation process.
2. Selection Criteria: Schools were selected based on their locations and the current public schools with overflow, aiming to address issues of access and infrastructure.
3. Pilot Program : The inclusion of private schools in the FSHS policy is a pilot initiative, with the potential for expansion to other schools in subsequent phases.
Implications:
1. Increased Access: The inclusion of private schools in the FSHS policy can increase access to quality education for more students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
2. Improved Infrastructure: The pilot program may lead to improved infrastructure and resources in participating private schools, enhancing the overall learning environment.
3. Partnership and Collaboration: The Ministry’s collaboration with GNACOPS and other stakeholders demonstrates the importance of partnership in achieving educational goals.
Next Steps:
1. Preparation and Capacity Building: Schools selected for the pilot program will need to prepare for the implementation of the FSHS policy, including capacity building for staff and infrastructure development.
2. Monitoring and Evaluation: The Ministry and its agencies will need to closely monitor the pilot program, evaluating its effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.
3. Expansion and Sustainability: The success of the pilot program will depend on careful planning, effective implementation, and sustainable funding models.
By working together, the Ministry, GNACOPS, and other stakeholders can ensure the successful implementation of the FSHS policy and promote quality education for all students in Ghana.
