Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced a deadline extension for the school selection process by Junior High Schools (JHS) students seeking to further their education in the second cycle institutions.

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The selection process, per a statement by the GES on June 13, has been extended to Wednesday, June 25, 2025. All Heads of Junior High Schools (JHS) are expected to take note.

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"Regional Directors are by this letter, kindly to communicate this updated deadline to all Metro/Municipal/District Directors of Education to bring this to the attention of final-year JHS students through their respective Head teachers, and encourage them to take full advantage of the extended period to carefully review and select their preferred schools," the statement added.

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According to the Ghana Education Service, the extension has become necessary due to the inclusion of private Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the selection process, allowing candidates additional time to make well-informed choices.

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All existing guidelines and procedures for the school selection process remain unchanged.

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Students have been encouraged to consult with their teachers, parents, and guardians to make informed and thoughtful decisions regarding their second cycle school education.

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A supplementary register of second cycle schools of the newly added private schools has been provided.

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Infrastructure deficit and congestion - challenges associated with the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy are set to be resolved as the government announces plans to roll out the programme to private schools.This was confirmed in a media briefing on May 27, by Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Clement Apaak during the launch of new guidelines for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) school selection process.

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“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…” he noted

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Dr Clement Apaak said the move was part of the government's long-term strategy to ease pressure on public schools and ultimately terminate the double-track system.

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The double-track system was introduced in 2018 by the erstwhile government to accommodate the surge in student enrollment due to the Free SHS policy, addressing overcrowding in public schools.

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Under this system, students were divided into two groups—Green Track and Gold Track—attending school in shifts, with one track in session while the other was on break.

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The anticipated extension of the Free SHS policy, according to the education minister, is a fulfilment of the government’s manifesto promise, adding that it is a step to ensure eligible students gain admission without delays.

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“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," the deputy minister said.

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According to him, the Education Ministry has received encouraging feedback from private schools, many of which have expressed readiness to meet the standards and requirements of the Free SHS framework.

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“... and the eagerness of the private schools to participate, the private schools will deliver in their participation,” he assured.

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