Government to include private schools in Free SHS policy starting next academic year.

Government to Extend Free SHS Policy to Private Schools from Next Academic Year

The government has made a groundbreaking announcement that the Free Senior High School (FSHS) programme will be extended to private senior high schools starting next academic year. 

This pivotal decision is expected to significantly increase access to secondary education, alleviate congestion in public schools, and provide more opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to benefit from the programme.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, May 27, during a press briefing on the revised guidelines for the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) school selection process. According to the new guidelines, BECE candidates will now be able to choose up to seven schools instead of the previous six. The selection process officially begins today, May 27, and will continue until June 6.

Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Appak, disclosed that the extension of the Free SHS policy to private institutions forms part of the government’s broader efforts to reform the education sector. He noted that this decision is rooted in the ruling party's campaign pledge and aims to help address overcrowding in public schools caused by the double-track system.

“As part of our campaign promise, we have worked diligently to bring private senior high schools on board in delivering Free SHS. We’ve held several stakeholder meetings and consultations, and we’re confident that private schools are ready and willing to participate,” Dr. Appak said.

He emphasized that allowing private schools to benefit from the FSHS policy will expand access to quality secondary education and create more room within the existing system. Dr. Appak also hinted that this move is part of the government’s long-term strategy to eliminate the double-track system entirely, which has been in place since 2018 to manage large student numbers in limited public school spaces.

“We strongly believe that by fulfilling this key manifesto promise, we are creating the right conditions for more efficient and equitable education delivery,” he added. “This expansion will not only ease the burden on public schools but also empower private institutions to contribute meaningfully to national development.”

The inclusion of private schools in the Free SHS programme is expected to benefit thousands of students who would otherwise face financial barriers to accessing secondary education. It will also enhance competition and quality standards across both public and private educational institutions.

The government says further details regarding the implementation framework, eligibility criteria for private schools, and funding structures will be communicated in due course. In the meantime, educational stakeholders, including heads of private schools, have welcomed the announcement as a timely and progressive intervention.

The Ministry of Education has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and effective monitoring to maintain standards under the expanded FSHS initiative.