The Ministry of Education has released the 2026 Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) results, securing Senior High School and Technical Vocational opportunities for 527,932 candidates. Out of 604,567 students who qualified following the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), approximately 87.3 per cent gained automatic placement across participating institutions.
Announcing the figures during a media briefing on behalf of the Education Minister, the Deputy Minister, Dr Clement Apaak, revealed that 623,072 candidates took the examination this year, registering an increase of 19,744 candidates compared to 2023. Female students accounted for 276,521 of the successfully placed cohort, while male students comprised 251,411.
Addressing the issue of candidates who missed out on automatic placement, the Deputy Minister pointed to an overconcentration of choices in Category A schools. Out of 313,283 applicants who chose top-tier schools as their first preference, only 76,417 declared vacancies existed, despite the system boasting 859,828 total vacancies nationwide across Categories A, B, and C.
To bridge the deficit and ensure equitable access, the government has integrated 85 private Senior High Schools into the Free SHS Programme for the 2026/2027 academic year. Unplaced qualified candidates, along with 53,887 candidates who recorded a grade nine in core Mathematics, English, or both, are directed to utilize the live self-placement portal to select from institutions with remaining capacity.
However, 3,372 candidates who did not sit the examination will not participate in the current placement phase. The Ministry stated these individuals will receive a second opportunity to resit the exams to progress along their educational pathway.
To streamline enrollment, the updated CSSPS portal now features a direct online admission system, eliminating the need for parents to travel long distances to obtain physical admission forms.
Heads of schools have been firmly warned against admitting candidates outside the computerized database, with the Ministry threatening strict sanctions against violators.
Regional Resolution Centres alongside a National Placement Resolution Centre at the GNAT Hall in Accra have opened to address emerging verification issues. Dedicated call lines—including 055 037 7388 and 059 952 5926—are also active for public support.
The Ministry reiterated that the school placement process remains completely free of charge. Members of the public are advised to resist extortion demands from unauthorized intermediaries and report any bribery attempts to law enforcement agencies or the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
