The Ministry of Education has released the first list of private schools under the Free SHS pilot. GES extends the 2025 school selection deadline to June 25 to reflect these changes.

Free SHS Pilot Reaches Private Schools

In a bold step to promote inclusive education, the Ministry of Education has announced the first batch of private Senior High Schools (SHSs) selected for inclusion in the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy on a pilot basis. The move is part of efforts to expand access to quality secondary education while easing congestion in oversubscribed public SHSs.

According to the Ministry, the pilot initiative was carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS). The schools were chosen based on strategic locations and public school overflow data to bridge gaps in infrastructure and access.

GES Extends 2025 School Selection Period

Following this development, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially extended the school selection deadline for final-year Junior High School (JHS) students. In a letter dated 13th June 2025, signed by Prince C. Agyemang-Duah, Director of Schools and Instructions Division, GES announced that the new deadline is Wednesday, 25th June 2025.

“This extension has become necessary due to the inclusion of private Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the selection process,” the letter explained.

Students are strongly advised to consult their teachers, parents, and guardians to make well-informed decisions about their second-cycle school choices. A supplementary register of newly added private schools has been circulated to all regional education directorates for distribution.

Implications of Private School Inclusion

1. Increased Access to Education

This inclusion is expected to widen educational access for students in underserved areas, especially those unable to gain admission into congested public schools.

2. Infrastructure Boost

Participating private schools may see improvements in infrastructure and learning environments due to government support under the FSHS program.

3. Stakeholder Collaboration

The Ministry’s approach emphasizes public-private partnerships as crucial for educational reform, a sentiment echoed by GNACOPS and district-level GES offices.

What’s Next?

🛠️ Preparation & Capacity Building

Selected private schools will begin preparations, including staff training and infrastructure upgrades, to accommodate new FSHS entrants.

📊 Monitoring & Evaluation

The Ministry plans to closely monitor the pilot phase, gathering data to assess impact and refine future phases.

📈 Future Expansion

Should the pilot prove successful, more private schools will be added in subsequent academic years to strengthen the Free SHS implementation.

Related Links from EducationGhana.org

• 2025 BECE School Selection Guidelines Released
• How to Choose SHS Schools Based on Cluster Model
• Free SHS Policy Review: What’s Changing?

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