The Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) has announced that approximately 50,000 candidates who sat for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will not be placed in Senior High Schools due to failing either English Language or Mathematics.
The Coordinator of the CSSPS, Mr Sherif Sulemana, disclosed this during a radio interview on Joy FM on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
He indicated that of the total 620,000 candidates who wrote the examination, approximately 565,000 have successfully secured placement. The official list of placed candidates is scheduled for public release on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Mr Sulemana reiterated that qualification for placement is contingent upon a candidate obtaining a pass in both English Language and Mathematics.
He emphasised that this requirement is non-negotiable and applies irrespective of a candidate’s overall aggregate score.
Consequently, a candidate may attain a commendable aggregate but remain ineligible for placement if either of the two core subjects is failed.
Mr Sulemana further announced key administrative modifications to this year’s placement exercise.
Notable among these are the decentralisation of complaints resolution centres to the regional level and the introduction of a digital admissions system, which allows placed candidates to download their admission letters electronically, thereby eliminating the need for physical collection.
Responding to inquiries regarding the non-extension of complaints centres to the district level, the Press Secretary and Spokesperson for the Minister of Education, Mr Hashmin Mohammed, explained that the Ministry operated within the constraints of available resources.
He noted that while district-level centres would be ideal, the current regional arrangement would be supplemented by call centre services to assist candidates in remote districts, should the need arise.
Addressing the persistent issue of oversubscription in Category A schools, Mr Sulemana provided statistics illustrating the intense competition for limited vacancies.
He cited Aburi Girls’ Senior High School and Achimota School, noting that both institutions received far more applications than available spaces.
Specifically, Aburi Girls’ Senior High School received 8,225 applications for approximately 800 available places, while Achimota School recorded approximately 28,000 applications for about 1,300 vacancies.
The pressure is particularly pronounced among candidates with strong academic records.
At Aburi Girls’, approximately 3,000 applicants with aggregates ranging from six to 12 are competing for a portion of the 800 available slots.
At Achimota School, 14,800 applicants within the same aggregate bracket are vying for approximately 1,300 places.
Mr Sulemana stated, “These figures reflect the realities within which we operate, and the general public needs to understand the competitive nature of the placement exercise.”
He further clarified that placement decisions are not determined solely by aggregate scores, given the significant disparity between applicant numbers and available vacancies.
The CSSPS and the Ministry of Education continue to urge all candidates and their guardians to remain patient and consult official channels for accurate information regarding the placement process.
