The Conference of Heads of Private Second-Cycle Schools (CHOPSS) says its member schools are ready to absorb the 54,985 candidates who did not qualify for placement into public Senior High Schools under the 2026 Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).
In a statement issued on September 3, 2026, CHOPSS assured parents, guardians and affected candidates that accredited private second-cycle schools across the country remain available to provide an alternative pathway for students to continue their education.
The Conference said private schools have historically played an important role in Ghana’s second-cycle education system by giving students who fall outside the admission requirements of public schools a second chance.
It noted that before the introduction of the Free Senior High School policy in 2017, students who failed to meet the cut-off points for admission into public SHSs were often absorbed by private institutions.
According to CHOPSS, many of these students subsequently improved academically, gained admission to tertiary institutions in Ghana and abroad, and are now contributing to the development of the country.
The Conference has therefore called on all accredited member schools to consider admitting the affected candidates at discounted and affordable fees, where possible, to enable more families to access second-cycle education.
CHOPSS stressed that failure to secure placement in a public Free SHS institution should not be interpreted as the end of a child’s educational journey.
Rather, it said, affected students should explore alternative opportunities within the private second-cycle education sector.
The Conference has also urged parents and guardians to contact accredited CHOPSS member schools within their catchment areas to enquire about available admission opportunities, programmes and applicable fees.
The CHOPSS Secretariat, it added, is available to provide information on accredited private second-cycle schools under the Conference and assist parents in identifying suitable schools.
CHOPSS further encouraged the affected candidates and their families not to despair, expressing confidence that collaboration among private schools, parents, guardians and other stakeholders can turn the current placement challenge into an opportunity for the students to secure a quality education and build a brighter future.
The development comes after the CSSPS indicated that 54,985 candidates who sat for the 2026 BECE did not qualify for placement into SHS, with reports indicating that candidates who failed either English Language or Mathematics were among those affected.
By: Bernard Mensah
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