Nearly 55,000 unplaced BECE candidates can turn to private SHSs – CHOPSS

Nearly 55,000 students who did not secure a spot in public Senior High Schools (SHSs) after the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) are being encouraged to explore private second-cycle institutions, according to the Conference of Heads of Private Second-Cycle Schools (CHOPSS). In a statement released on September 3, CHOPSS emphasized that these accredited private schools are prepared to admit the 54,985 candidates who were not placed in public institutions.

The Conference reassured affected students and their families that private schools possess the resources and expertise to deliver high-quality second-cycle education, enabling students to achieve their academic and career objectives. CHOPSS pointed out that prior to the implementation of the Free SHS policy in 2017, students' public school placements were largely determined by cut-off points, leaving some to seek opportunities in private institutions.

The Conference highlighted that many of these students benefited from the academic support, training, and guidance provided by private schools, which ultimately helped them excel and gain admission to tertiary institutions both in Ghana and abroad. Consequently, a significant number of these students are now making valuable contributions to national development in both the public and private sectors.

CHOPSS urged affected candidates and their families to consider accredited private second-cycle schools as a valuable alternative to public schools, rather than perceiving the lack of public-school placement as a roadblock to their educational pursuits.