Free SHS to include private schools – Apaak reveals

The government has announced its intention to expand the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy to include private schools beginning the next academic year.

This major policy shift was revealed during the launch of revised guidelines for the selection of schools by candidates preparing to sit the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

At a press briefing on Tuesday, May 27, Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, confirmed the news, stating that plans are underway to incorporate private SHSs into the programme.

He noted that several stakeholder meetings and engagements have already been held, expressing confidence in the readiness of private institutions to join the initiative.

Dr. Apaak explained that integrating private schools into the Free SHS policy is expected to reduce pressure on public institutions and help eliminate the double-track system, which was introduced to manage infrastructure constraints in public SHSs.

“As part of our campaign promise, we have been working diligently to bring on board private senior high schools in the delivery of the Free SHS programme.

“Meetings have been held, engagements have been done, and we are very certain that with the diligence we expect from our side and the eagerness of the private schools to participate, the private schools will deliver in their participation.

“We believe strongly that in fulfilling this manifesto campaign promise, this is going to serve as an artery in helping us bring an end to the double-track system,” he added.

Also, as part of the changes, candidates will now be permitted to select seven schools instead of the previous six, with the selection window open from May 27 to June 6.