Free SHS to cover private schools next academic year
Government has announced plans to extend the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy to private schools starting from the next academic year—a move expected to ease overcrowding in public schools and improve access to quality secondary education.
The announcement came on Tuesday during the unveiling of updated school selection guidelines for candidates preparing for the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Under the revised system, students can now select seven schools instead of six, with the selection window open from May 27 to June 6.
Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, confirmed the policy expansion at a press briefing in Accra, stating that the initiative aligns with government’s broader plan to phase out the double-track system and improve enrollment capacity.
“As part of our campaign promise, we have been working diligently to bring private senior high schools on board to participate in the Free SHS programme,” Dr. Apaak said.
He disclosed that extensive consultations had been held with private school stakeholders, and both sides are now aligned to implement the initiative.
“We strongly believe that this expansion will contribute significantly to ending the double-track system and improving access to secondary education for all,” he added. Launched in 2017, the Free SHS programme currently covers tuition, boarding, textbooks, and other expenses for students in public schools.
