The government has announced plans to expand the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy to cover private schools beginning next academic year.

This was disclosed during the announcement of the revised guidelines for the selection of schools for candidates preparing to write the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Under the new guidelines, candidates will now be allowed to select seven schools, up from the previous six choices. The selection process is scheduled to run from today, May 27 to June 6.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, May 27, Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Appak, explained that the inclusion of private schools in the FSHS policy is aimed at increasing capacity and gradually phasing out the double-track system.

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

“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,” he added.