Private Schools Set to Join Ghana’s Free SHS Programme Next Academic Year – Ministry of Education
The government says it will soon let private senior high schools take part in the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy. The roll-out is planned for the start of the next academic year.
The news came on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, when the Ministry of Education launched new rules for candidates who will sit the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Seven choices instead of six
Under the fresh guidelines, each BECE candidate may choose seven schools, up from the old limit of six. The selection window is open from 27 May to 6 June.
Why private schools are coming on board
Deputy Minister of Education Dr Clement Apaak said the main goal is to make room for every student who qualifies for secondary school while easing the strain on crowded public schools.“As part of our campaign promise, we have been working diligently to bring private senior high schools on board in delivering the Free SHS programme,” he stated
He added that adding private schools will grow total classroom space and help Ghana phase out the double-track system, the shift routine now used to cope with large numbers.
Talks with private heads going well
Dr Apaak noted that meetings with heads of private schools have been positive, and he is sure they can handle the new task once funding details are agreed.
What happens next?
- The Ministry will finish talks on how government subsidies will reach the private schools.
- A final list of approved private SHSs should be out before the next school year begins.
- If all goes to plan, the first batch of Free SHS students could enter private schools as early as September 2025.
