The Institute for Education Studies (IFEST) has commended the government’s decision to upgrade selected senior high schools across the country, describing it as a step in the right direction toward resolving long-standing challenges with the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

This follows an announcement by the Minister of Education that the government intends to elevate some Category B schools to Category A status, and similarly upgrade certain Category C schools to Category B.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday, October 14, the Executive Director of IFEST, Dr. Peter Anti, lauded the initiative and called on stakeholders to support the Education Ministry to ensure its success.

According to him, strengthening infrastructure, teaching, and learning in upgraded schools will ease the overwhelming demand for top-tier institutions during the school placement process.

“This is a positive note. We will need to support the minister, but we have to do other forms too. I hope that we add this to other reforms that we need to do with the school placement itself, so that we can deal with the issue as and when it is time to deal with these placement challenges,” he said.

Dr. Anti emphasized that upgrading schools should form part of a broader, long-term strategy to enhance the quality and equity of secondary education.

“If they are able to do this, within the next one year, we will see a considerable improvement in the number of people going to resolution centers to have their issues fixed,” he added.

He cautioned against any attempt to downgrade schools, stressing that such a move would undermine progress. Instead, he urged a structured, upward review of school classifications supported by clear investment plans.

“We need to upgrade some Category C schools to Category B, and some Category B schools to Category A. If we have a consistent plan over the next five to six years, we will be able to deal with the issue of pressure on schools that causes so much headache during the placement period,” Dr. Anti stated.