Private schools welcomes into Free SHS policy as government expands placement system

The Bono East Regional Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS), Mr. Joseph Prince Soregan, has expressed appreciation to the government for its decision to include private Senior High Schools in the national school placement system under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.

The government announced this significant policy shift during a press briefing on Tuesday, May 27, where the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Appak, outlined revised guidelines for the selection of schools by candidates preparing to write the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

According to Dr. Appak, the inclusion of private schools in the Free SHS programme aims to increase overall capacity and gradually phase out the double-track system.described the government’s response as a major victory for private education providers

Reacting to the development, Joseph Prince Soregan described the government’s response as a major victory for private education providers. He praised the move as a step in the right direction, saying it would help expand access to quality education and ease the burden on public institutions.

According to him, the inclusion of private schools will help increase capacity within the education system, thereby supporting the government’s efforts to phase out the double-track system.”

“We made an appeal to the government to post learners to private schools and support us just as they support public schools. If the government allocates GH¢10.00 per learner in public schools, we requested that the same amount be allocated to private schools based on the number of learners posted to our institutions.

“We are very grateful that the government has granted our request. JHS graduates will now be posted to private Senior High Schools (SHS), and these schools will receive government support. This is very welcome news for us.” He said.

Mr. Soregan revealed that GNAPS is currently compiling a list of private Senior High Schools with adequate space and facilities to participate in the new initiative stressing that only schools that meet the required standards will be eligible.

“Our leadership is currently compiling a list of private Senior High Schools that have available space and the required facilities. Only schools that meet these criteria will be allowed to participate in this initiative.” He stated

The Deputy Minister also announced a return to the previous placement system, where BECE candidates will now choose their preferred schools before sitting for the exam. Additionally, the number of schools a candidate can select has been reduced from eleven to seven.

In light of this, urged stronger collaboration between parents and teachers to ensure that the strengths and interests of each student are matched with the most suitable school.

“Additionally, we are returning to the old placement system where learners will select their preferred SHSs before sitting for the BECE. Furthermore, instead of choosing 11 schools, learners will now be allowed to select only 7.

“I would like to advise parents to guide their wards in selecting schools that align with their academic abilities. Many learners tend to choose schools based on popularity; however, some of these may lack essential teaching and learning materials that are crucial to a quality education.

“Therefore, I strongly encourage parents to collaborate with teachers during the school selection process. Learners should not make these decisions alone, nor should parents do so without consulting their children’s teachers.” He said.

Source: Ghanaweb.mobi