As BECE 2026 candidates prepare to select their Senior High Schools, education experts advise students to balance ambition with realistic choices. Here are some of the most sought-after SHSs in Ghana and key factors to consider before making a selection.
BECE 2026 School Selection Begins Amid Growing Competition
With the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) approaching, thousands of Junior High School (JHS) students across Ghana are preparing to make one of the most important decisions in their academic journey: selecting their preferred Senior High Schools (SHSs).
School selection remains a critical exercise because it determines the institutions where successful candidates may continue their secondary education under the Free SHS policy.
Education stakeholders continue to advise candidates and parents to look beyond school popularity and consider programme availability, academic performance, discipline, infrastructure, location, and career aspirations before making their final choices.
PRESEC, Prempeh and Mfantsipim Continue to Lead National Rankings
Recent national rankings and National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) performance records continue to place some schools among Ghana’s most sought-after second-cycle institutions. Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon), Prempeh College, Mfantsipim School, Adisadel College and Opoku Ware School remain among the highest-rated schools in the country.
These schools have built strong reputations through consistent academic excellence, university placements, leadership development, and achievements in national academic competitions.
Top SHS Choices for BECE 2026 Candidates
Leading Boys’ Schools
Many high-performing male candidates continue to select:
- Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School
- Prempeh College
- Mfantsipim School
- Adisadel College
- Opoku Ware School
- St. Augustine’s College
- St. Peter’s Senior High School
- Accra Academy
These institutions are widely recognized for strong academic performance and competitive achievements.
Leading Girls’ Schools
For female candidates, some of the most competitive schools include:
- Wesley Girls’ High School
- Aburi Girls’ Senior High School
- Holy Child School
- Mfantsiman Girls’ Senior High School
- St. Louis Senior High School
- Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School
These schools have consistently produced excellent WASSCE results and graduates who proceed to top universities in Ghana and abroad.
Leading Mixed Schools
Candidates seeking mixed-gender institutions may consider:
- Achimota School
- Ghana National College
- University Practice Senior High School
- Keta Senior High Technical School
- Tamale Senior High School
- Ghana Secondary Technical School
Best Schools for Science Students
Students interested in Medicine, Engineering, Information Technology, and other STEM-related careers often prioritize schools with strong science programmes.
Among the most preferred science-oriented schools are:
- PRESEC-Legon
- Prempeh College
- Mfantsipim School
- St. Peter’s SHS
- Opoku Ware School
- Adisadel College
- Keta SHTS
Many of these schools have distinguished themselves in NSMQ competitions and STEM-related activities.
School Selection Strategy for Candidates
Education experts recommend that candidates avoid selecting only highly competitive schools.
Candidates Expecting Aggregates 6–15
Such candidates may consider a mix of Category A schools, including:
- PRESEC-Legon
- Prempeh College
- Mfantsipim School
- Achimota School
- Wesley Girls’ High School
- Adisadel College
- Opoku Ware School
Candidates Expecting Aggregates 16–25
Candidates within this range are advised to combine Category A and Category B schools such as:
- Ghana National College
- Keta SHTS
- GSTS
- Kumasi High School
- Pope John SHS and Minor Seminary
- St. Thomas Aquinas SHS
Candidates Above Aggregate 25
Students are encouraged to select strong Category B and Category C schools offering their preferred programmes to improve placement opportunities.
Education Experts Advise Balanced Choices
Education planners continue to emphasize that success is not determined solely by the name of a school but by a student’s commitment, discipline, and ability to take advantage of available opportunities.
Parents and candidates are therefore encouraged to select schools that align with their academic interests, career goals, and personal development needs rather than relying solely on popularity rankings.
With the Ministry of Education and WAEC expected to release additional guidelines on BECE 2026 school selection, candidates are urged to seek advice from teachers, guidance coordinators, and parents before submitting their final choices.
Related Articles
- BECE 2026 School Selection Guidelines Explained
- New BECE Format to Run Over Eight Days, Says Haruna Iddrisu
- How the Computerized School Selection and Placement System Works
- Top STEM Schools in Ghana for Future Engineers and Doctors
