2026 BECE: Educationist challenges English, Maths benchmark for SHS placement

Dr. Charles Obeng Sarpong, an educationist, has called for a reconsideration of the criteria used to determine BECE candidates' eligibility for senior high school (SHS) placement. He argues that students' abilities should not be judged solely based on their performance in Mathematics and English. Dr. Sarpong made his remarks on Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem, following the revelation that 54,985 BECE candidates failed to secure placement due to not meeting the required threshold in the two subjects.

He emphasized the importance of education at both the basic and secondary levels in shaping young people's future, and the necessity of providing every child with an opportunity to proceed to the second cycle. Dr. Sarpong pointed out that the secondary school system offers various pathways, including science, business, home economics, and technical programmes, implying that assessment should consider the diverse abilities and interests of students.

He lamented that not being able to continue education due to poor performance in math and English is problematic, as the two subjects should not be the sole basis for determining a child's educational future. According to Dr. Sarpong, while strong performance in Mathematics and English may be essential for certain programmes, particularly technical and engineering-related courses, they should not be the only basis for deciding a child's educational future.

The Conference of Heads (Proprietors) of Private Second-Cycle Schools (CHOPSS) has published its 2026 list of private second-cycle schools in good standing, helping families in their quest to secure senior high school placements for their children. The Ministry of Education assured that the affected candidates will undergo self-placement to secure admission.