Government has unveiled plans to extend the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy to private schools, starting from the next academic year.
This move is aimed at increasing capacity and gradually phasing out the double-track system in public schools.
According to Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Appak, “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.”
He added that “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.”
Dr. Appak further emphasized that “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.”
In addition to the expansion of the FSHS policy, the government has also announced new guidelines for candidates preparing to write the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Candidates will now be allowed to select up to seven schools, up from the previous six choices. The selection process will run from May 27 to June 6.
The government’s move is seen as a significant step towards improving access to secondary education and reducing congestion in public schools.