The Conference of Heads of Private Second-Cycle Schools (CHOPSS) says its member schools are ready to admit the 54,985 candidates who were unable to secure placement into Senior High Schools under the 2026 Computerised School Selection and Placement System.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 3, 2026, CHOPSS Head of Communications, Naphtali A. Kyei-Baffour, said the Conference had taken note of reports that thousands of candidates who sat for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) were not placed under the current arrangements.
CHOPSS assured affected candidates, parents and guardians that accredited private second-cycle schools across the country are willing to provide them with quality education and an opportunity to continue their academic journey.
“CHOPSS wishes to assure parents, guardians and the affected candidates that Private Second-Cycle Schools across the country are ready and willing to absorb these students and provide them with quality second-cycle education and the opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations,” the statement said.
The Conference noted that private second-cycle schools have, over the years, provided an alternative pathway for students who could not meet the cut-off points required for admission into public Senior High Schools.
According to CHOPSS, many students who pursued their education in private schools subsequently improved academically, developed relevant skills and confidence, and gained admission to tertiary institutions in Ghana and abroad.
The Conference has therefore appealed to its accredited member schools to consider admitting the affected candidates at discounted and affordable fees, where possible.
It said such a move would help more families access quality second-cycle education despite the challenges associated with the current placement system.
“CHOPSS therefore calls on all accredited member schools to consider admitting the affected candidates at discounted and affordable fees, where possible, to enable more families to access quality second-cycle education,” the statement added.
CHOPSS stressed that failure to secure placement in a public Free SHS institution should not be considered the end of a child’s educational journey, but rather an opportunity to explore alternative educational pathways.
The Conference urged parents and guardians to contact accredited private second-cycle schools within their catchment areas to enquire about available programmes, admission opportunities and applicable fees.
It also said its Secretariat is available to provide information on accredited private second-cycle schools and assist parents in identifying suitable institutions in their respective areas.
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to identify and contact accredited CHOPSS member schools within their catchment areas to enquire about admission opportunities, programmes offered and applicable fees,” the statement said.
“The CHOPSS Secretariat is also available to provide information on accredited private second-cycle schools under the Conference and assist parents in identifying schools within their respective areas.”
CHOPSS expressed confidence that through the collective efforts of private second-cycle schools, parents, guardians and other stakeholders, the current placement challenge could become an opportunity to give the affected candidates a new beginning and a brighter future.
By:Rachael Djabakie