The government has announced that beginning of the next academic year, the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy will be extended to include selected private schools.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, May 27, during the launch of revised guidelines for school selection ahead of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Under the new rules, candidates will now be allowed to choose seven schools, an increase from the previous six. The selection window runs from May 27 to June 6.

Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, who made the announcement, said the expansion aims to boost overall enrollment capacity and facilitate the gradual elimination of the double-track system.
“As part of our campaign promise, we have been working diligently to bring on board private senior high schools in the delivery of the Free SHS programme,” Dr. Apaak said.

He added that multiple engagements have taken place with stakeholders and that private schools are eager to participate.
“Meetings have been held, engagements have been done, and we are very certain that with the diligence we expect from our side and the eagerness of the private schools to participate, the private schools will deliver in their participation.

“We believe strongly that in fulfilling this manifesto campaign promise, this is going to serve as an artery in helping us bring an end to the double-track system,” he added.