The Ghana Education Service (GES) is taking significant steps to facilitate the seamless placement of candidates who recently completed the 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) into their preferred second-cycle schools.
To achieve this, the GES has introduced a dual-phase placement system.
Understanding the New Placement System
Elaborating on this innovative approach, a representative from the Free SHS Secretariat outlined that candidates must now designate six schools during the initial placement phase and five additional schools during the second placement phase on their school selection forms.
In the current academic year, graduating Junior High School students who participated in the 2023 BECE are required to pick a total of eleven Senior High Schools. This includes six selections in the first placement phase and an additional five choices during the second phase.
Safety Net for Unplaced Candidates
Should a candidate not secure placement in any of their initial six selections, they will have the opportunity to be placed in one of the five schools they designated in the second placement phase on the school selection form.
In response to inquiries regarding self-placement, the Free SHS official clarified that candidates who do not receive placements in any of the eleven selected schools will have the option to perform self-school placement.
A total of 600,714 candidates took part in the 2023 BECE, comprising 300,323 boys and 300,391 girls from 18,993 Junior High Schools. The examination took place from Monday, August 7, 2023, to Friday, August 11, 2023.
Growing Interest in Private Candidate BECE
In terms of the 2023 BECE for Private Candidates, there was a total entry of 1,743 candidates, consisting of 889 males and 854 females. This figure represents a 5.4% increase compared to the 2022 entry figure of 1,132.
The 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for School Candidates was conducted at 2,137 examination centers throughout the nation. In contrast, 15 centers, primarily located in regional capitals, were utilized for the BECE for Private Candidates.
To ensure the smooth and effective administration of the 2023 BECE for both School and Private Candidates, a total of 2,137 supervisors, 2,000 assistant supervisors, and 21,027 invigilators were appointed to oversee the national examination.
