The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has announced a major boost to the 2025 SHS placement process with the addition of 70 private Senior High Schools (SHSs) under the Free SHS pilot scheme.
Previously, only 21 private schools were available to candidates, but the expansion aims to create more options for students who could not secure spots in oversubscribed public Category A schools.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, September 18, Dr. Apaak encouraged parents and students to make use of the self-placement portal, which is now active, to select schools with available vacancies, including the newly added private institutions.
Overall, the placement exercise now spans 724 public SHSs/SHTSs, 233 Technical and Vocational Institutions (TVIs), and 70 private SHSs, broadening access to secondary education nationwide.
Dr. Apaak also reminded the public that the placement is entirely free and urged parents and guardians to rely on official channels for support during the process.
“This year, as part of the Free SHS Programme, we are piloting 70 private SHSs. At the time of school selection, only 21 private schools were available, but I am pleased to inform you that all 70 private schools are now accessible on the portal, providing more opportunities for students. In total, the placement program covers: 724 public SHSs/SHTSs, 233 TVIs, 70 private SHSs under the pilot Free SHS Programme,” he said.
The initiative is expected to reduce overcrowding in public schools while giving students more options to continue their education seamlessly.
