The Ministry of Education has heralded the start of the 2025/2026 academic year with a message of encouragement and optimism for nearly 590,000 first-year students entering Senior High Schools (SHS) across the country.

This new intake, which began reporting to campuses on Saturday, October 18, is set to continue through Monday, October 20, as the nation’s flagship Free SHS policy continues to expand access to secondary education.

In a formal statement signed by Hashmin Mohammed, Press Secretary to the Minister for Education, the Ministry described the admissions period as “a significant milestone in the academic journey” for the new cohort, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in their education.

A New Chapter for Ghana’s Youth

“This period is a significant milestone in the academic journey of these students and a new chapter in their educational pursuit,” the Ministry stated, urging freshers to embrace the opportunity with “dedication, discipline, and enthusiasm.”

Education analysts note that the 590,000 figure represents a 5% increase over last year’s admissions, reflecting sustained improvements in Junior High School completion rates and the nationwide impact of the Free SHS initiative, now in its ninth year.

According to the Ghana Education Service (GES), over 3.2 million students have benefited from the policy since its inception in 2017, with a national transition rate from JHS to SHS rising from 67% in 2016 to an estimated 92% in 2025.

Applause for Parents and Closing of Admissions

The Ministry’s statement also recognized the vital role of parents and guardians throughout the often stressful Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) process, which this year successfully matched nearly 850,000 candidates to schools nationwide.

“We commend parents and guardians for their patience and cooperation throughout the school placement process,” the Ministry said, announcing that “placement and residential allocations for the 2025/2026 academic year have officially closed.”

Parents and guardians are encouraged to promptly visit assigned schools to finalize enrolment procedures and help their wards settle in as academic activities get underway.

School heads have been directed to offer orientation sessions and support services for all new arrivals, particularly those adjusting to boarding life far from home.

Data from the Ministry’s Annual School Admissions Report show that timely enrolment and orientation are strongly correlated with student retention and academic success, with 87% of early-reporting students progressing to the second term, compared to 73% among latecomers.

Commitment to Quality and Inclusion

As part of its ongoing reforms, the Ministry reaffirmed its pledge to deliver “quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all Ghanaian children.”

Investments in new classroom blocks, dormitory facilities, and teacher recruitment have been ramped up for the 2025/2026 cycle, with a projected 4,000 additional teachers set to be deployed across public SHSs.

The Ministry has also partnered with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to address infrastructure gaps, with over 300 projects currently underway.

Special provisions have been made for students with disabilities, and all schools have been instructed to ensure that no child is denied access due to financial or physical barriers.

A Warm Welcome and a Challenge

The statement concluded with a warm welcome to all new SHS students and a challenge to seize the moment—both inside and outside the classroom.

“We wish all new SHS students success in both their academic and personal development,” the Ministry said, adding that “their commitment will be key to their success.”