Each year in Ghana, after the release of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results, candidates and their parents or guardians must go through the process of selecting Senior High Schools (SHS) for placement.
This is one of the most important steps in a student’s academic journey. However, many families struggle with one key question:
How do we know the correct list of schools to choose for school selection?
Selecting the right schools is not just about choosing based on popularity — it is about carefully following the official guidelines provided by the Ghana Education Service (GES) under the Ministry of Education.
To make this process easier, many parents and JHS students are now using SHSselect.com, an online tool that guides them through building a correct list of SHS schools. You can visit SHSselect.com directly or simply search "shsselect" (one word) on Google.
Understanding Category A, B, C in Ghana’s School Selection
The GES officially groups all public SHS in Ghana into three categories:
- Category A: The most competitive and highly sought-after schools.
- Category B: Very good schools that offer a wide range of programmes.
- Category C: A large number of solid schools across Ghana, many of which are often overlooked but provide excellent opportunities.
GES selection guidelines for school placement state that candidates must:
- Select 1 school from Category A
- Select up to 2 schools from Category B
- Select up to 5 schools from Category C
- Choose no more than 3 boarding schools in their main selections
- Select 2 additional schools from the approved Alternative List (Appendix 3)
Following this structure is required to ensure that students are placed successfully through the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).
How to Access the Correct List of Schools
The Ministry of Education and GES do publish the official list of SHS in the selection booklet provided to Junior High Schools (JHS). However, this booklet is not always easy for students and parents to navigate.
To simplify the process, many families in Ghana now use SHSselect.com, which:
- Shows the latest list of SHS schools grouped correctly by Category A, B, C
- Allows you to browse schools by programme (Science, Business, Arts, Technical, etc.)
- Helps you structure your 1st to 7th choices according to GES rules
- Lets you download and review your list before going to school for the official submission
Why This Matters for School Placement
Each year, some students in Ghana miss out on their preferred schools because:
- They selected the wrong number of schools from a category
- They did not follow the GES guidelines properly
- They used outdated school lists or incorrect school codes
By using tools like SHSselect.com, parents and students can reduce these errors and prepare a correct selection list before completing the official form at their JHS.
Important: Final Selection Must Be Done at School
It is important to note that SHSselect.com is a preparation tool. The final official selection must be completed at your child’s JHS under the supervision of the Headmaster of the school, and it must be signed by a parent or guardian.
The Ministry of Education and GES require that this final form is submitted through the Headmaster of the school.
Final Tips for Parents and JHS Students
- Start preparing your list early — the school selection deadline for 2025 is 6th June.
- Use SHSselect.com or search “shsselect” on Google to get started.
- Sit with your child and explore the schools and programmes together.
- Confirm the list and review with school authorities before submission.
- Always follow the GES guidelines to improve your child’s chances of a successful school placement.
By preparing properly, following GES and Ministry of Education guidelines, and using helpful tools like SHSselect.com, parents and students across Ghana can avoid common mistakes and increase their chances of getting placed in one of their preferred SHS schools.
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