The school selection process for candidates writing the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) has officially begun. It’s began on Tuesday, May 27, and will end on Friday, June 6, 2025, dhring this period junior high students across Ghana will be selecting their preferred senior high schools under the guidelines set by the Free SHS (FSHS) Secretariat.
This year’s selection exercise introduces revised guidelines aimed at ensuring a smooth and fair placement process. Here’s a breakdown of what students, parents, and schools need to know.
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How to select BECE schools 2025: New Guidelines for BECE School Selection in 2025
According to the FSHS Secretariat, the new guidelines are designed to enhance transparency and make the school placement process easier to navigate. At a press briefing, the Coordinator of the Secretariat, Sena Okity-Duah, announced that sensitisation teams will be deployed nationwide. These teams, drawn from the Free SHS Secretariat and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service, will educate students, parents, and teachers on the revised procedures.
Number of Schools to Be Selected
Each BECE candidate is required to select seven schools in total, broken down as follows:
- Five main choices
- Two alternative choices
Among the five main schools:
- At least three must be boarding schools
- The remaining two may be day schools
These schools must be selected in order of preference, meaning students should rank them based on where they most wish to be placed.
Category Rules for School Selection
The guidelines set clear limits on the types of schools students can select:
- A candidate may select only one Category A school
- No more than two schools can be selected from Category B
- Students cannot select all five main schools from Category C
Students are allowed to choose Category B and C schools as either day or boarding. However, the restrictions on Categories A and B are strictly enforced to ensure fair access across all candidates.
TVET and STEM Track Options
For candidates interested in pursuing TVET programmes, the guidelines specify that they must choose five TVET institutions. These selections can be made across all school categories, and candidates can opt for either day or boarding status.
Students with career interests in STEM-related fields such as engineering, medicine, or space science are encouraged to select STEM-focused schools across Categories A, B, and C.
Parental Involvement is Mandatory
One of the major points emphasized by the FSHS Secretariat is the role of parents in the school selection process. According to the Coordinator:
“No school selection form should be submitted without a parent or guardian’s signature.”
Candidates must complete their selection forms, have them signed by a parent or guardian, and submit them to the headteacher of their junior high school. Parents are also advised to keep a photocopy of the completed form for reference.
Finality of School Placement
Another important point to note is that once a candidate is placed in a selected school, that placement cannot be changed. This makes it essential for students and parents to think carefully about the options they choose during this period.
Key Dates to Note
- Start of Selection: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
- Deadline for Submission: Friday, June 6, 2025
Students and guardians are encouraged to complete the process early to avoid any last-minute issues.
Why This Matters
The BECE school selection process is a major milestone in the lives of students completing their basic education in Ghana. It determines the next stage of their academic journey—whether in a general senior high school, a STEM institution, or a TVET centre. Understanding the new rules and making informed decisions is critical to securing a placement that aligns with the student’s academic strengths and career goals.
Conclusion
As the 2025 BECE school selection window opens, students and parents must stay informed and follow the updated guidelines closely. The Free SHS Secretariat’s nationwide sensitisation campaign will be instrumental in helping families understand the process and make the best possible choices.
For more updates on education, scholarships, and opportunities for students in Ghana, stay tuned to xorlali.com—your trusted sources for verified and timely education news.
