In a major update to the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) landscape, the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (COHBS) has officially set the 2025 BECE cut-off point at aggregate 36. This announcement comes just months after a new government took office, marking a clear shift in educational oversight and expectations for placement into senior high schools (SHS) across Ghana.
What the BECE Cut-Off Means for Students
The decision to peg the cut-off at aggregate 36 provides a benchmark for assessing candidates’ eligibility for SHS placement. Students who score above this threshold may face challenges securing placements in competitive schools or programs, especially in oversubscribed urban regions. This decision comes amid concerns that students are becoming complacent due to automatic admissions under the current Free SHS policy introduced in 2017.
Addressing the press in the Volta Region, Vincent Gordor, the Regional Chairman of COHBS, explained that the move aims to restore discipline and academic seriousness among Junior High School (JHS) students.
“Currently, students who complete JHS with very poor grades still gain admission to SHS without effort to improve their performance,” Mr. Gordor said.
“We propose that a cut-off point (aggregate 36) should be institutionalized for entry into the Senior High School. This will encourage seriousness in learning at the JHS level.”
A Call for Free SHS Policy Review
Mr. Gordor further emphasized that this measure should be part of a broader review of the Free SHS policy, which, while expanding access, has inadvertently led to reduced academic motivation at the basic level.
“Pegging the cut-off point at aggregate 36 should form part of a comprehensive review of the Free SHS policy introduced by the Akufo-Addo-led government in 2017,” he noted.
Capitation Grant Concerns
Beyond the academic standards debate, COHBS raised red flags over financial and infrastructure challenges hampering quality education delivery. Mr. Gordor lamented the persistent delays and inadequacy of the government’s capitation grant, a key funding mechanism for public basic schools.
“The delayed payment of the insufficient capitation grant is a major challenge that must be addressed head-on,” he said.
“Schools depend on this grant to purchase learning and teaching materials, conduct curriculum and extracurricular activities, and maintain infrastructure. The persistent delay and inadequacy of these funds have left many schools struggling to function effectively.”
He urged the government to ensure timely and adequate disbursement to keep basic schools operational and effective.
BECE 2025 Cut-Off Implications for 2025 SHS Placement
The reintroduction of a cut-off point signals a shift away from automatic progression and toward performance-based placement, even as a new government settles into power. The Ministry of Education has yet to respond formally, but education stakeholders expect that this recommendation may shape a broader national education policy debate in the coming months.
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