2026 BECE candidates to begin SHS selection on July 20 – GES

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the timeline and guidelines for the 2026 Senior High School (SHS) selection process. This crucial exercise paves the way for the 2026 Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), which places qualified Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates into SHSs, Technical, and Vocational institutions across Ghana.

To ensure a smooth, transparent, and hassle-free process, GES has launched nationwide training and sensitization programs for education directors, teachers, and coordinators.

If you are a parent, teacher, or candidate, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 school selection process.

When will the 2026 BECE school selection start?

The official school selection period for all 2026 BECE candidates will commence on Monday, July 20, 2026, and conclude on Friday, August 7, 2026. Parents and candidates are advised to utilize this period to consult with school authorities and make their choices carefully.

What is the new 8-school selection policy for 2026?

Under the new CSSPS placement reforms introduced by the Ministry of Education, candidates will now select eight (8) schools instead of the seven required in previous years.

Key changes to the selection criteria include:

• Two Category ‘A’ Schools: Candidates are now allowed to select two Category ‘A’ schools. However, one must be a boarding school and the other must be a day school located within their residency district.

• Better Flexibility: The adjustments aim to reduce the oversubscription of elite schools and address repeated placement challenges.

Why is GES organizing nationwide training for education directors?

To prevent errors and ensure accurate guidance for families, the GES is conducting intensive training from Wednesday, July 15 to Tuesday, July 28, 2026, for all Regional, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Directors of Education. This training equips directors with a deep understanding of the 2026 guidelines, allowing them to provide effective oversight and clear instructions in their local areas.

How does the CSSPS place students after selection?

Once the selection portal closes, the CSSPS automatically processes candidate data based on:

• The student’s raw scores in the BECE.
• Their chosen academic programs (e.g., General Science, General Arts, Business).
• Accommodation type (boarding or day status) and vacancy availability.

READ: See why 2026 BECE candidates must use SHSpath AI For SHS Selection

Tips for a successful 2026 school selection

Verify Course Offerings: Always confirm that your preferred school actually offers the specific program you wish to study.

Balance Your List: Do not select only highly competitive Category ‘A’ or ‘B’ schools. Mix in realistic options from Category ‘C’ to guarantee a smoother placement.

Consider Commuting Distance: For any day school choice, make sure the campus is easily accessible from your home to avoid transit challenges.

READ: How To Use SHSpath AI For SHS Selection

For those interested in understanding the structural adjustments being made to the computer placement system, watch this brief discussion on the 2026 BECE CSSPS Reforms which details how the new choice system accommodates two Category A schools.