The selection of Senior High Schools (SHSs), Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs), and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions remains one of the most important decisions every Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidate will make after completing junior high school.
For the 2026 placement year, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has introduced revised guidelines under the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to improve the placement process, promote fairness, reduce pressure on highly subscribed schools, and increase the chances of successful placement for qualified candidates.
This comprehensive guide explains the 2026 CSSPS school selection process, new requirements, options available to candidates, and common mistakes to avoid.
Factors Candidates Should Consider Before Selecting Schools
- Academic Performance
- Programme Availability
- School Category
- Boarding or Day Preference
- Guidance from Parents and Teachers
What is CSSPS?
The Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) is Ghana’s centralised platform used by the Ghana Education Service to place qualified BECE candidates into:
- Senior High Schools (SHSs)
- Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs)
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions
The placement process is based on several factors, including:
- BECE performance
- Selected schools
- Programme choices
- Residential preference (Boarding or Day)
- Available spaces in schools
The system is designed to ensure that qualified candidates are placed into suitable institutions based on merit and available opportunities.
What is New in the 2026 CSSPS School Selection Process?
For the 2026/2027 academic year, candidates are required to select eight (8) schools during the selection exercise.
The choices are divided into:
- Six (6) Main Choices
- Two (2) Alternative Choices
The revised arrangement is aimed at reducing placement difficulties, especially in schools with high demand, while improving the chances of candidates securing placement.
2026 CSSPS School Selection Options
Candidates have different options when selecting their preferred schools.
1st Option: Balanced Category Selection
Under this option, candidates are expected to make a balanced selection across school categories.
Candidates should select:
Two (2) Category A Schools
- One Boarding School
- One-Day School
Two (2) Category B Schools
- One Boarding School
- One-Day School
Two (2) Category C Schools
- One Boarding School
- One-Day School
This option allows candidates to combine highly competitive schools with realistic alternatives to improve their placement chances.
2nd Option: Category C Only Selection
Candidates who do not wish to select Category A or Category B schools may choose all their six main choices from Category C schools.
Under this option, candidates must select:
- Three Boarding Schools
- Three-Day Schools
This provides candidates with more flexible options and may increase their chances of placement.
Alternative School Choices
Apart from the six main school choices, every candidate must select:
Two (2) Alternative Schools
These alternatives serve as backup options in situations where a candidate cannot be placed in any of the six main choices due to:
- Limited vacancies
- High competition
- Programme restrictions
- Academic requirements
Candidates are therefore encouraged to choose their alternatives carefully and realistically.
Factors Candidates Should Consider Before Selecting Schools
BECE candidates and their parents or guardians should consider the following before submitting their final choices:
Academic Performance
- Candidates should select schools that match their expected BECE results.
- Choosing only highly competitive schools without considering academic performance may affect placement chances.
Programme Availability
Candidates must confirm that their preferred programmes are offered by the schools they select.
For example, a candidate interested in:
- General Science
- Business
- General Arts
- Visual Arts
- Home Economics
- Technical Programmes
Must ensure the selected school offers the preferred programme.
School Category
- Candidates should understand the differences between Category A, B, and C schools and make realistic selections.
Boarding or Day Preference
Candidates should carefully consider whether they prefer boarding or day arrangements, taking into account:
- Distance from home
- Financial considerations
- Parental support
Guidance from Parents and Teachers
- Parents, guardians, and teachers should actively support candidates in making informed choices.
- Candidates should avoid selecting schools simply because friends have chosen them.
Common Mistakes Candidates Must Avoid
To improve their chances of placement, candidates should avoid the following mistakes:
- Selecting only highly competitive schools.
- Choosing schools that do not offer their preferred programme.
- Ignoring Day school options.
- Arranging choices randomly without considering placement chances.
- Selecting schools without seeking guidance from parents, teachers, or school authorities.
- Submitting the selection form without carefully reviewing all information provided.
A mistake during the selection process can negatively affect placement outcomes.
