The Ministry of Education has clarified that more than 54,000 candidates who obtained Grade 9 in either English Language or Mathematics in the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) have not been disqualified from accessing Senior High School (SHS) education.

The clarification follows concerns and confusion after reports emerged that the affected candidates had not secured placement into SHSs under the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

Addressing the media on the 2026 school placement process, Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Apaak explained that candidates who obtained Grade 9 in either of the two core subjects will have the opportunity to access SHS through the self-placement process.

He stressed that the affected candidates remain eligible for placement and should not panic over their initial inability to secure automatic placement.

According to the Ministry, more than 500,000 qualified candidates have already been successfully placed automatically through the CSSPS.

The Ministry said resolution centres across the country are also operational and available to assist candidates and parents facing genuine challenges with the placement process.

Candidates who are required to undertake self-placement have therefore been encouraged to access the CSSPS portal and follow the necessary steps to select schools with available vacancies.

Parents and guardians who encounter difficulties have also been urged to visit the nearest resolution centre for assistance.

The Ministry has assured parents and candidates that measures are in place to facilitate the placement of qualified students and ensure that no eligible candidate is left behind.