GES Extends School Selection Deadline to June 25: A Move for Better Choices for JHS Graduates

In a pivotal step designed to improve second cycle school placements for Junior High School (JHS) graduates, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced the extension of the school selection deadline to Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The announcement was made in a circular dated June 13, 2025, and signed by Prince Agyemang-Duah, Director of the Schools and Instructions Division of GES. The decision aims to facilitate the integration of private Senior High Schools (SHSs) into the national placement system.

For the first time, these institutions are being incorporated into the national Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), which allows students a broader choice beyond traditional public schools.

Reasons for the Extension

Traditionally, the school selection process has primarily involved public senior high schools and vocational institutions. However, with the emergence of several reputable private SHSs that offer competitive academic programs and facilities, the Ministry of Education and GES have decided to officially include these schools in the selection database.

This inclusion requires that students, parents, and educators take enough time to learn about the new institutions, including their offerings, locations, facilities, and academic performance. By extending the deadline, GES is ensuring that stakeholders can make informed decisions, reducing the possibility of hurried or uninformed choices.

The GES is demonstrating a strong commitment to student-centred policies. As stated in the circular, “This extension is necessary due to the inclusion of private Senior High Schools in the selection process, giving candidates more time to make well-informed choices.”

Encouraging Stakeholder Participation

In addition to the technical aspects of the extension, the announcement emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders-especially teachers, parents, and guardians-in assisting students with their selection process. The GES encourages students to engage in discussions with their teachers and families to thoughtfully evaluate their options, promoting a comprehensive approach to education supported by knowledgeable adults.

Furthermore, school authorities play a crucial role in this initiative. The letter instructs Regional, Metro, Municipal, and District Directors of Education to quickly disseminate this updated information to all JHS Head teachers, who are then expected to rally their students and support networks to ensure no one misses the extended deadline.

This coordinated effort is essential, particularly in rural or under-resourced areas, where delays in the availability of information could hinder a fair and equitable selection process.

Maintaining Policy Consistency and Transparency

A vital assurance from the GES is that all existing guidelines for selecting schools will remain unchanged, despite the addition of new institutions. This consistency helps maintain stability in a system that can often be overwhelming for families.

To aid in this stability, GES has provided an updated register listing all newly included private second cycle schools, serving as a reliable reference for students and ensuring their choices are informed by verified information.

Opportunities and Challenges

While the inclusion of private SHSs in the selection process is generally viewed as a progressive move, it also raises several important questions.

Firstly, how will issues of affordability be managed? Private schools often have higher fees than public schools. Will there be any financial aid or scholarships available for deserving students?

Secondly, how will quality assurance be upheld across these newly added private institutions? The GES and other regulatory bodies regularly monitor public schools for performance and standards. Will similar oversight apply to private institutions to ensure they meet national benchmarks?

Despite these concerns, many educators view this policy shift as a positive advancement. By increasing the options available to students, GES is fostering a more competitive and diverse secondary education environment that is better aligned with the various needs and aspirations of Ghanaian students.

Contextualizing the School Placement Process Reform

The extension of the deadline also reignites discussions about the timing and structure of the school selection process. Many experts have long suggested that the selection of second cycle schools should not be hastily made in the final days of JHS education. Proposals have been made to start this process earlier, possibly before the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), to reduce stress and encourage more proactive educational planning.

Additionally, there have been calls for enhanced career guidance services within basic schools. With more choices available and varied academic paths to consider, professional counselling will be essential in helping students align their career goals with suitable academic institutions.

Integrating private schools into the CSSPS may signal the beginning of public-private partnerships in education, recognizing that the public sector cannot solely meet the increasing demand for quality secondary education and that collaboration with the private sector is crucial.

Conclusion:

The extension of the school selection deadline is not merely a procedural change; it is a thoughtful response to the evolving educational trends. It will offer students more time, options, and support, encourage parents, teachers, and educational leaders to collaborate in guiding the next generation toward their future academic paths.

Most importantly, it indicates GES’s commitment to adapting its processes to uphold inclusivity, transparency, and student welfare. As the academic year approaches its peak, this extension serves as a logistical necessity and a policy gesture that prioritizes careful decision-making over hasty compliance.

As we continue our educational reforms to meet modern standards, such timely actions can contribute to a more equitable and informed future for all learners.

 

WRITTEN BY: WISDOM KOUDJO KLU, EDUCATIONIST EXPERT/ COLUMNIST, GREATER ACCRA REGION. [email protected]