The Ministry of Education has launched the 2025 BECE school selection guidelines, stressing parental involvement, limiting Category A choices, and highlighting TVET and STEM options to improve equity and transparency in school placements.
Ministry of Education Introduces Detailed School Selection Guidelines for 2025 BECE
The Ministry of Education has officially launched the 2025 school selection guidelines for candidates of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The launch event, held in Accra, brought together key education stakeholders, including officials from the Ghana Education Service (GES), Free SHS Secretariat, and NaCCA, among others.
The guidelines, which are effective from May 27 to June 6, 2025, outline a structured and equitable process for school selection across the country.
Parental Consent is Mandatory in 2025 Selection Process
In a significant policy shift, Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, stated that no teacher or headteacher is permitted to complete school selection forms without the explicit consent of parents or guardians. This directive is meant to eliminate unilateral decision-making and foster greater accountability in the placement process.
“We are insisting that this process must involve parents, and that no one can select schools for a student without their family’s approval,” Dr. Apaak emphasized.
Structure of the 2025 School Selection Process
Candidates are expected to choose seven schools in total:
- Five main choices (with at least 3 boarding and 2 day schools)
- Two alternative schools
Key Restrictions:
- Only one Category A school may be selected
- No more than two Category B schools
- Inclusion of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) institutions is highly encouraged
- Students interested in STEM, engineering, or medicine are advised to opt for STEM-based schools
Key Takeaways from the Launch Event
At the launch:
- Free SHS Coordinator, Ms. Benita Sena Okity Duah, urged parents to take an active interest in the selection process, highlighting its long-term impact on students’ academic futures.
- GES representatives emphasized that once placements are made, they cannot be changed.
- All completed forms must be signed by a parent or guardian and submitted to the headteacher before the deadline.
- Stakeholders were reminded that photocopies of the completed forms should be kept by parents for future reference.
TVET and STEM Prioritization in National Development
The Ministry used the platform to promote TVET as a viable path to employment and innovation. Officials encouraged students to consider TVET and STEM institutions as first-choice options, reinforcing government’s commitment to skills development and industrialization.
Public Access to Resources and Support
The Ministry has uploaded the full 2025 school selection guidelines and sample forms to an accessible Google Drive link. Regional education offices and heads of schools have also been instructed to disseminate the information widely to ensure nationwide compliance.
Conclusion:
The 2025 BECE school selection launch underscores Ghana’s commitment to a transparent, fair, and student-centered placement process. With new restrictions on category choices, strong emphasis on parental involvement, and prioritization of TVET and STEM institutions, the Ministry aims to ensure every student gets an equal opportunity to access quality secondary education.
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