GES extends 2025 school selection deadline to June 25 amid Private SHS inclusion – Nsemkeka
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced an extension of the deadline for the 2025 school selection process to Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
The decision aims to provide final-year Junior High School (JHS) students additional time to complete their choices following the integration of private Senior High Schools (SHSs) into the selection system.
This adjustment follows the government’s recent policy shift to include private SHSs in the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year. The move is intended to enhance access to secondary education and alleviate overcrowding in public schools.
In a circular issued on Thursday, June 13, the GES instructed all Regional Directors of Education to ensure the new deadline is promptly communicated to Metro, Municipal, and District Directors, as well as to JHS final-year students through their school heads.
“This extension has become necessary due to the inclusion of private Senior High Schools in the selection process, allowing candidates additional time to make well-informed choices,” the statement explained.
The GES encouraged students to seek guidance from teachers, parents, and guardians before finalizing their selections. It also clarified that all existing guidelines and procedures remain unchanged, except for the updated school list, which now includes approved private SHSs.
To assist students in navigating the expanded options, a supplementary register featuring the newly added private SHSs has been provided. The GES emphasized the importance of careful consideration to ensure optimal placement outcomes.