GES Announces 2026 BECE School Selection Exercise: Key Dates, Guidelines and What Candidates Must Know
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) school selection exercise will officially begin on Monday, 20th July 2026, and end on Friday, 7th August 2026.
The exercise is a crucial stage in the transition from Junior High School (JHS) to Senior High School (SHS), as it allows candidates to choose the schools and programmes they wish to attend after successfully completing the BECE.
Parents, guardians, headteachers, teachers and candidates are encouraged to take the exercise seriously and ensure that all school choices are made carefully within the stipulated period.
Important Dates
School Selection Opens: Monday, 20th July 2026
School Selection Closes: Friday, 7th August 2026
Candidates are advised not to wait until the last minute before completing the process to avoid unnecessary challenges.
Read alsoGirl Child Education: Unlocking the Future, One Classroom at a Time
What Candidates Should Do
During the school selection period, candidates should:
*Consult their parents or guardians before making their choices.
*Seek guidance from their headteachers and teachers on selecting suitable schools and programmes.
*Consider their academic strengths, career aspirations and interests when choosing programmes.
*Carefully verify all selected schools, programmes and residential preferences before submitting the forms.
*Ensure that all required information is correctly captured to avoid errors that may affect placement.
Advice to Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians play an important role in this process. They are encouraged to:
*Guide their wards in choosing schools that match their abilities and interests.
*Avoid making decisions based solely on the popularity of schools.
*Work closely with school authorities throughout the selection exercise.
*Ensure that the completed forms are properly checked before submission.
The school selection exercise forms the basis for placement into Senior High Schools under Ghana’s Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). Incorrect or rushed selections could affect a candidate’s placement, making it essential for every student to complete the exercise with care and accurate information.
Candidates are therefore encouraged to use the available guidance from their schools and the Ghana Education Service to make informed decisions.
The Ghana Education Service urges all eligible BECE 2026 candidates to complete their school selection between 20th July and 7th August 2026. Missing the deadline or providing inaccurate information may complicate the placement process.
Students, parents, teachers and the general public are encouraged to share this information widely so that every eligible BECE candidate is informed and adequately prepared for the school selection exercise.
