Ministry of Education Releases First List of Private Schools for Pilot Inclusion in Free SHS Policy
In a groundbreaking move aimed at expanding access to quality secondary education, the Ministry of Education has announced the first batch of private schools selected to participate in the pilot implementation of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy.
This landmark initiative marks a significant shift in Ghana’s educational landscape as the government explores innovative strategies to promote equity and manage infrastructure constraints in the public education sector.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
1. A Collaborative Approach
The pilot program is the result of close collaboration between the Ministry of Education, its key agencies, and stakeholders such as the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS). The partnership is designed to ensure that the implementation is smooth, transparent, and beneficial to all parties, especially students and their families.
2. Strategic Selection Criteria
Private schools were selected based on several strategic considerations. Chief among them is their location—particularly in areas where public senior high schools are experiencing enrollment overflow due to infrastructure limitations. By leveraging the existing capacity of qualified private institutions, the Ministry hopes to reduce pressure on public schools while maintaining educational quality.
3. A Pilot with Promise
This initiative is currently being rolled out as a pilot program, allowing for careful observation, evaluation, and learning. The Ministry has indicated that the success of this initial phase will inform decisions on potential scaling of the program to include more private institutions across the country.
Expanding Access, Enhancing Equity
The inclusion of private schools in the Free SHS policy reflects the Ministry’s broader vision of inclusive and equitable education for all. With the increasing demand for secondary education and the strain on public infrastructure, this move is expected to bridge the accessibility gap, particularly in underserved areas.
While some education experts and interest groups may watch the program cautiously, many have praised the government’s willingness to innovate and involve private stakeholders in delivering public education services.
What’s Next?
Details on the specific private schools selected and the modalities for student placement under the pilot have been made available below:
As Ghana’s Free SHS policy evolves, this pilot program may well become a model for public-private partnership in education across Africa. By integrating private schools into the Free SHS framework, Ghana takes another step forward in building a more inclusive, efficient, and resilient education system.
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