The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak, has announced that 70 private Senior High Schools (SHSs) have been included in the 2025 school placement exercise under the Free SHS pilot program.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Dr Apaak explained that the initiative is intended to create more opportunities for candidates who may not secure admission into oversubscribed public Category A schools.

He urged students and parents to make use of the self-placement portal to select from schools with available vacancies, including the newly added private institutions.

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“This year, as part of the Free SHS Program, we are piloting 70 private SHSs. At the time of school selection, only 21 private schools were available, but I am pleased to inform you that all 70 private schools are now accessible on the portal, providing more opportunities for students. In total, the placement program covers 724 public SHSs and SHTSs, 233 Technical and Vocational Institutions (TVIs), and 70 private SHSs under the pilot Free SHS Program,” he stated.

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The expansion is expected to ease pressure on public Senior High Schools and gradually phase out the double-track system introduced by the previous government.

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