Private Schools Demand Abolition of Government’s 30% Priority Placement System for SHS Admissions
In a recent push to reform the Senior High School (SHS) admissions process, private schools across Ghana are calling on the government to abolish the 30% priority placement system. This system reserves 30% of spots in top SHS institutions for students from public junior high schools (JHS), leaving the remaining 70% open to both public and private school candidates. Private schools argue that the policy is unfairly restrictive and limits opportunities for their students who also strive for placements in top SHS institutions.
The 30% priority placement policy was introduced to address educational inequality and provide more access to students from less-privileged backgrounds who attend public JHS. Many public school students face challenges such as large class sizes, limited resources, and a shortage of qualified teachers, which often results in lower performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). To bridge this gap, the government implemented the policy as part of its commitment to ensuring inclusivity and equal access to quality SHS education.
However, representatives of private schools contend that the system penalizes their students despite the hard work they put into preparing for the BECE. They argue that every student, regardless of their school, should have equal access to SHS slots based solely on merit. According to the Conference of Heads of Private Schools (CHOPs), the policy places an artificial limitation on private school students, who consistently perform well in the BECE but face tougher competition for the remaining 70% of slots in top schools.
In a recent statement, CHOPs President, Dr. Samuel Baah, emphasized, “This policy unfairly discriminates against private school students and undermines the purpose of a merit-based admissions system. We believe that all students should be judged by their academic performance, not by the type of school they attend.”
Proponents of the 30% system argue that without it, students from disadvantaged backgrounds may struggle to compete with their private school peers who often benefit from smaller class sizes, better facilities, and additional academic support. However, private school advocates maintain that these differences in resources should be addressed at the source through improved funding and resources for public JHS institutions, rather than restricting private school students’ access to their choice of SHS.
The debate over the 30% priority placement system has become a focal point in the broader discussion of educational reforms in Ghana. As the government seeks to make education more accessible and equitable, finding a balance between inclusion and merit remains a challenge. The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the concerns raised by private schools and indicated that it will conduct a review of the policy.
Educational stakeholders, parents, and policymakers are watching closely as discussions continue. While some suggest reducing the quota from 30% to 15% as a compromise, others call for more investments in public schools to ensure all students are given a fair chance without compromising access for private school students.
The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the SHS admissions process in Ghana. Both sides agree that Ghana’s education system must continue to evolve to provide quality and equitable education, but they remain divided on the best path forward.
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