Top 20 SHS WASSCE Rankings 2017-2023: St. James Seminary SHS Dominates, Exam Fraud Concerns Rise in Bono Region

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | October 03 |Top 20 SHS WASSCE Rankings 2017-2023: St. James Seminary SHS Dominates, Exam Fraud Concerns Rise in Bono Region

“Discover the top 20 SHS WASSCE rankings from 2017-2023, led by St. James Seminary SHS with a 98.78% pass rate. Explore the impact of Free SHS and concerns over rising exam fraud in Bono Region according to Eduwatch’s 2024 report.”

The recently released WASSCE Performance Report (2017–2023) has revealed that St. James Seminary Senior High School (SHS) has emerged as the top-performing institution in Ghana, boasting an impressive average pass rate of 98.78%.

However, the report also highlights serious concerns about rising exam fraud in the Bono Region, where many schools have earned the derogatory label of “WASSCE tourism” institutions—schools where students travel purely to take advantage of lax exam supervision.

The findings from Eduwatch’s monitoring reports, dating back to 2020, point to systemic issues that overshadow the otherwise impressive academic results.

This article provides an in-depth look at the top 20 schools in Ghana based on their WASSCE performance over the last seven years, along with insights into their histories, achievements, and contributions to the Ghanaian educational landscape.

1. St. James Seminary SHS – 98.78%

St. James Seminary SHS, located in Sunyani, Bono Region, was established in 1978 as a Catholic institution aimed at providing high-quality education with a strong moral foundation. Over the years, it has built a reputation for academic excellence, particularly in the sciences and humanities. Its consistent performance in the WASSCE exams, with a near-perfect pass rate of 98.78%, has cemented its place as one of Ghana’s elite schools. Despite its stellar academic record, St. James is relatively less known across the country compared to the so-called “big schools.” Its strong alumni network and emphasis on discipline continue to drive its success.

2. Our Lady of Providence SHS – 94.42%

Our Lady of Providence SHS, based in the Central Region, has quietly grown into one of the leading institutions in the country. The school, established by the Catholic Church, places a strong emphasis on nurturing the whole individual, blending academics with extracurricular activities to develop well-rounded students. With a WASSCE pass rate of 94.42%, the school is a testament to the quality of education in the Central Region, which consistently produces top performers.

3. St. Augustine’s College – 94.36%

St. Augustine’s College, also in the Central Region, has long been regarded as one of Ghana’s premier institutions. Founded in 1930 by the Catholic Church, it has produced a long list of prominent alumni in various fields, including politics, business, and academia. Known for its dominance in both academics and sports, particularly football, St. Augustine’s consistently ranks among the top schools in national competitions. Its average WASSCE pass rate of 94.36% underscores its commitment to excellence.

4. Odumaseman SHS – 93.43%

Odumaseman SHS, located in the Bono Region, has quietly become one of Ghana’s top-performing schools. Established in 1979, it has grown steadily over the years, focusing on developing academic excellence, particularly in science and mathematics. The school’s strong performance in the WASSCE exams, with a 93.43% pass rate, is a testament to its focus on quality teaching and student discipline.

5. St. Roses SHS – 91.60%

St. Roses SHS in Akwatia, Eastern Region, is one of Ghana’s oldest all-girls schools, founded in 1965 by the Dominican Sisters. The school has been a consistent performer in both academic and extracurricular activities. St. Roses has produced numerous high-achieving women in various fields. Its WASSCE performance, with a 91.60% pass rate, reflects the school’s dedication to maintaining its high standards and empowering young women.

6. Wesley Girls’ SHS – 88.96%

Wesley Girls’ SHS, established in 1836 by Methodist missionaries, is one of Ghana’s most prestigious institutions for girls. Located in Cape Coast, the school has a rich history of academic and extracurricular success, particularly in the fields of science, debate, and athletics. Known for its strict discipline and rigorous academic curriculum, Wesley Girls’ has consistently ranked among the top schools in the WASSCE, with an average pass rate of 88.96% between 2017 and 2023.

7. Holy Child SHS – 88.77%

Founded in 1946 by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Holy Child SHS is another top girls’ school located in Cape Coast. Like Wesley Girls’, Holy Child has built a legacy of producing well-rounded students who excel in both academics and extracurricular activities. Its 88.77% WASSCE pass rate highlights its dedication to academic excellence. The school is particularly known for its achievements in science, arts, and leadership training.

8. Aburi Girls’ SHS – 88.32%

Aburi Girls’ SHS, located in the Eastern Region, was established in 1946 by the Presbyterian Church. Known for its serene learning environment and strong academic traditions, the school has consistently ranked among the top-performing girls’ schools in Ghana. With an average WASSCE pass rate of 88.32%, Aburi Girls’ continues to produce graduates who go on to excel in higher education and professional careers.

9. Notre Dame Seminary SHS – 87.73%

Notre Dame Seminary SHS, located in Navrongo, Upper East Region, has emerged as a leading school in the northern part of the country. Established in 1960 by the Catholic Church, Notre Dame focuses on developing both the academic and spiritual aspects of its students. Its strong performance in the WASSCE, with an 87.73% pass rate, underscores its commitment to nurturing future leaders of Ghana.

10. St. Peter’s SHS – 87.19%

St. Peter’s SHS, located in Nkwatia in the Eastern Region, is a Catholic institution founded in 1957. Over the years, St. Peter’s has built a reputation for academic excellence, particularly in science and mathematics. The school’s 87.19% WASSCE pass rate reflects its status as one of Ghana’s leading boys’ schools.

11. Presbyterian Boys’ SHS (PRESEC) – 86.79%

PRESEC-Legon, founded in 1938 by the Presbyterian Church, is one of Ghana’s most well-known and respected schools. Located in Accra, the school has produced a long list of distinguished alumni in fields ranging from politics to science. With a strong tradition in academic competitions, particularly in the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), PRESEC has an average WASSCE pass rate of 86.79%.

12. Sumaman SHS – 85.71%

Sumaman SHS, located in Suma Ahenkro in the Bono Region, is another rising star in Ghana’s educational landscape. Established in 1991, the school has steadily improved its academic performance, as evidenced by its 85.71% WASSCE pass rate. Sumaman SHS is known for its emphasis on science education and student discipline.

13. St. Louis SHS – 85.13%

St. Louis SHS in Kumasi, founded in 1952, is a Catholic all-girls school with a long history of academic and extracurricular success. Known for its strong emphasis on discipline, leadership, and academic excellence, St. Louis has an average WASSCE pass rate of 85.13%. The school has consistently ranked among the top girls’ schools in Ghana.

14. Opoku Ware SHS – 85.01%

Opoku Ware SHS, located in Kumasi, is one of Ghana’s leading boys’ schools. Established in 1952, it is known for its strong academic tradition, particularly in the sciences. The school’s 85.01% pass rate in the WASSCE is a testament to its continued excellence in education.

15. Jinijini SHS – 84.36%

Jinijini SHS, located in the Bono Region, has become one of the region’s top-performing schools. Founded in 1991, the school has focused on improving its academic standing, with an 84.36% WASSCE pass rate reflecting its commitment to student success.

16. Mfantsipim School – 83.69%

Mfantsipim School, located in Cape Coast, is one of Ghana’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. Founded in 1876, the Methodist school has produced many of Ghana’s most notable figures in politics, business, and education. Known for its strong academic tradition and leadership training, Mfantsipim’s 83.69% WASSCE pass rate speaks to its sustained commitment to excellence.

17. Adisadel College – 83.33%

Adisadel College, also in Cape Coast, was founded in 1910 by the Anglican Church. The school has consistently ranked among Ghana’s top institutions, particularly in science and technology. With a WASSCE pass rate of 83.33%, Adisadel continues to build on its legacy of academic and extracurricular success.

18. Berekum Presby SHS – 82.16%

Berekum Presby SHS in the Bono Region has emerged as one of the top schools in the region. Established in 1972, the school has steadily improved its academic performance, with an 82.16% WASSCE pass rate reflecting its commitment to excellence.

19. Bechem Business College – 81.94%

Location: Bechem, Ahafo Region
Established: 1974

Bechem Business College, located in Bechem in the Ahafo Region, is a business-focused educational institution that has made significant strides in both academic and vocational education. Originally established to cater to students interested in business studies, the school has since broadened its curriculum to include a variety of subjects while maintaining a strong focus on entrepreneurship, accounting, and finance.

The school’s commitment to practical education, coupled with a focus on real-world skills, has helped it carve a niche in the Ghanaian education landscape. Over the years, Bechem Business College has produced graduates who have gone on to make meaningful contributions to Ghana’s economy, particularly in the business and financial sectors.

Bechem Business College’s WASSCE performance, with an average pass rate of 81.94%, reflects its dedication to academic excellence, especially in business-related subjects like accounting, economics, and management. The school’s curriculum blends theory with practical training, preparing students for both tertiary education and the workforce.

20. Terchire Senior High School (SHS) – 80.58%

Location: Terchire, Ahafo Region
Established: 1991

Terchire Senior High School, situated in the small town of Terchire in the Ahafo Region, has steadily risen to prominence as one of the region’s top educational institutions. Founded in 1991, the school has a relatively short history compared to some of the older, more established schools in Ghana, but it has proven that consistent focus on quality education can yield outstanding results.

Terchire SHS offers a diverse curriculum with a strong emphasis on science, arts, and vocational studies. The school’s leadership has implemented a range of academic support programs aimed at improving student performance, particularly in the sciences and mathematics. The school’s average WASSCE pass rate of 80.58% is a testament to its growing academic reputation and the effectiveness of its teaching methods.

One of the factors contributing to Terchire SHS’s success is its focus on student discipline and holistic development. The school places equal importance on academics, extracurricular activities, and personal growth, encouraging students to excel both in the classroom and beyond.