The Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) remains one of the most anticipated processes for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates and their parents or guardians. Each year, several questions arise about how the placement system works, and the Ghana Education Service (GES) has provided clarity to ensure smooth enrollment.
Below are some frequently asked questions and their official answers for the 2025 BECE placement:
One concern often raised is when the schools a parent or guardian selected for a ward are not what appear in the CSSPS system. In such cases, GES advises that the signed choice form submitted to the school — stamped by the headmaster — should be sent for verification through the chat box on the CSSPS portal.
For candidates whose results are withheld in a particular subject, placement is still possible as long as the subject in question is not part of the four core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies). Placement is based on six out of nine subjects.
Some parents worry when they see students with higher aggregates gaining admission to schools over others with lower aggregates. The explanation is that placement depends not only on the aggregate but also on the selected program and residential status. For example, the science program is usually more competitive than others, and boarding slots are more highly contested than day slots.
It is also important to note that a candidate cannot be automatically placed in a school they did not select. However, self-placement provides an option for candidates to choose available schools that were not initially part of their selection.
GES emphasizes that after placement, neither the program of study nor the residential status can be changed. Candidates are placed based on the preferences they provided during school selection. Similarly, candidates cannot change schools through self-placement once a choice has been made.
Enrollment into a school also requires the presence of the candidate or a representative. The process involves providing a student’s unique ID, parent or guardian’s details, and contact information. Schools cannot complete enrollment without this information being physically submitted.
If a candidate has been enrolled in a school but their details disappear from the school’s system, the head of the school must report the issue formally to the appropriate authorities for redress. In such cases, the student should not be turned away.
Sometimes parents assume that if a school has available space, their child can be placed there. This is not possible. Placement is strictly based on vacancies declared by schools and managed by the CSSPS. Once the slots are filled, no further placements can be made, even if the school appears to have space.
Finally, if a candidate is automatically placed, they cannot change the selected school. The only exceptions allowed are cases of wrong gender or wrong program placement.
These clarifications are meant to guide parents, guardians, and candidates as they navigate the 2025 CSSPS placement process. Staying informed will help avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth transition into senior high school.
