Choosing a Senior High School (SHS), Senior High Technical School (SHTS), or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution is one of the most significant decisions for candidates who have completed the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
For the 2026 placement exercise, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has introduced updated guidelines under the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).
The revised framework is intended to make the placement process more transparent and equitable, ease competition for oversubscribed schools, and improve the likelihood of qualified candidates securing admission.
READ ALSO: GES updates 2026 BECE candidates on SHS selection process
This guide outlines the updated school selection process, highlights the new requirements, and offers practical advice to help candidates make informed choices while avoiding common errors.
What is CSSPS?
The Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) is the Ghana Education Service’s centralized platform for assigning qualified BECE candidates to:
- Senior High Schools (SHSs)
- Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs)
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions
Placements are determined using several key factors, including:
- Candidates’ BECE results
- Preferred schools
- Programme selections
- Boarding or day preferences
- Available vacancies in schools
The system is designed to ensure that candidates are placed fairly based on merit and the available spaces in their selected institutions.
READ ALSO: 2026 BECE irregularity portal goes live; check status
What’s New in the 2026 CSSPS School Selection Process?
For the 2026/2027 academic year, every candidate is required to select a total of eight (8) schools.
These include:
- Six (6) Main School Choices
- Two (2) Alternative School Choices
According to GES, this revised structure is expected to reduce placement challenges, particularly in highly competitive schools, while increasing candidates’ chances of gaining admission.
School Selection Options
Candidates can choose from two approved selection options.
Option 1: Balanced Category Selection
Under this arrangement, candidates must spread their six main choices across the three school categories as follows:
- Two Category A schools
- One Boarding
- One Day
- Two Category B schools
- One Boarding
- One Day
- Two Category C schools
- One Boarding
- One Day
This balanced approach enables candidates to combine competitive schools with more attainable options, thereby improving their chances of securing placement.
READ ALSO: How to check your 2026 BECE results on your phone
Option 2: Category C Selection Only
Candidates who prefer not to choose schools from Categories A and B may select all six of their main choices from Category C schools.
Under this option, candidates must choose:
- Three Boarding Schools
- Three Day Schools
This option provides greater flexibility and may increase the likelihood of placement for some candidates.
Alternative School Choices
In addition to the six main selections, every candidate must choose two alternative schools.
These schools act as backup options if a candidate cannot be placed in any of the six main choices due to factors such as:
- Limited vacancies
- High competition
- Programme availability
- Admission requirements
Candidates are therefore encouraged to make thoughtful and realistic alternative selections.
Important Factors to Consider When Selecting Schools
Before submitting their school choices, candidates, together with their parents or guardians, should consider the following:
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Academic Performance
Candidates should make selections that reflect their expected BECE performance. Choosing only highly competitive schools without considering academic ability may reduce the chances of placement.
Programme Availability
Before selecting a school, candidates should verify that it offers their preferred course of study.
These may include:
- General Science
- Business
- General Arts
- Visual Arts
- Home Economics
- Technical Programmes
Selecting a school that does not offer the desired programme could affect placement.
School Category
Understanding the differences between Category A, B, and C schools is essential. Candidates should balance ambition with realistic choices when making their selections.
Boarding or Day Preference
Candidates should carefully decide between boarding and day options by considering factors such as:
- Distance from home
- Family finances
- Availability of parental or guardian support
Guidance from Parents and Teachers
Parents, guardians, teachers, and school counsellors should assist candidates throughout the selection process. School choices should be based on careful consideration rather than simply following friends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To maximize their chances of successful 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 school choices without a clear placement strategy.
- Making decisions without consulting parents, teachers, or school authorities.
- Submitting the selection form without reviewing all entries for accuracy.
A simple mistake during the school selection exercise can significantly affect a candidate’s placement. Taking time to make informed and balanced choices will greatly improve the chances of being placed in a suitable SHS, SHTS, or TVET institution.