High Demand for SHSs Now influences Categorization -FSHS Coordinator

Ashanti Regional Deputy Free Senior High School (FSHS) Coordinator, Mark Owusu Barfi, has explained that the high demand for some Senior High Schools is now a major factor in determining their placement in Categories A, B and C.

Speaking in an interview with Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannanso on Opemsuo Radio, Mr Owusu Barfi cited Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI), where about 19,000 students may apply for only 2,500 available spaces, as an example of how the number of students seeking admission can influence a school’s category.

He explained that the system for categorising schools has changed. Previously, factors such as how long a school had existed and the number of students it had produced over the years were considered.

Under the new arrangement, the number of students seeking admission compared to the available spaces is  an important consideration.

“Some schools are heavily oversubscribed because they are highly sought after by students. For example, about 19,000 students may apply to KTI, making it one of the most oversubscribed schools, but the school can only admit approximately 2,500 students,” he said.

Mr Owusu Barfi explained that when a school receives far more applications than the number of students it can admit, it shows that the school is highly sought after, and this is considered when placing it in a category.

He also outlined changes students should take note of when selecting their schools.

Students can now choose eight schools instead of seven, and they are expected to include five boarding schools and three day schools among their choices.

Students choosing Category A schools can select one boarding school and one day school.
They can also choose three Category B schools and three Category C schools.

He stressed, however, that students are not required to choose a Category A school.

According to him, students should first look at their BECE results and select schools that match their performance.

For example, a student who does not qualify for a Category A school can choose three Category B schools and five Category C schools instead.

Another change is that students can no longer select the same school more than once.

Mr Owusu Barfi said the changes are intended to help students make choices that are realistic and suited to their academic performance, while also taking into account the level of demand for particular schools.

“The most important thing is to ensure that students select five boarding schools and three day schools,” he said.

He further explained that students now make their school selections after receiving their BECE results, allowing them to know their performance before deciding which schools to choose.