The government plans to extend the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy to private schools beginning the next academic year, Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak has announced.
The move aims to expand access to secondary education, ease the burden on public schools, and eventually phase out the double-track system.
The announcement was made during a press briefing on May 27, 2025, as part of the release of updated school selection guidelines for this year’s BECE candidates. The selection process now allows candidates to choose seven schools, with the selection window open from May 27 to June 6, 2025.
Dr. Apaak explained that including private schools in the Free SHS programme is in line with the government’s campaign promises and broader education reform agenda.
“As part of our campaign promise, we have been working diligently to bring private senior high schools on board in delivering the Free SHS programme,” he stated.
He noted that the initiative is expected to increase capacity and support the eventual abolition of the double-track system.
“We believe strongly that fulfilling this manifesto promise will serve as a vital step toward ending the double-track system,” he added.
Dr. Apaak also reported that discussions with private school operators have been successful and expressed confidence in their readiness to implement the Free SHS policy effectively.
