GES directs basic school heads to upload BECE 2026 candidates’ school choices on CSSPS from August 19 to 21 ahead of the WAEC portal opening.
By: Ferdinand Ellis | EducateGhana.com
GES Opens School Choice Upload Window for BECE Candidates
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed heads of basic schools to upload the school choices of BECE candidates onto the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) portal from Wednesday, August 19 to Friday, August 21, 2026.
The exercise is being undertaken ahead of the official opening of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) portal for the school selection process.
School heads are therefore expected to ensure that the choices submitted by candidates are accurately captured on the CSSPS platform within the stated period.
➡ Related: BECE 2026: Complete Guide for Candidates and Schools
➡ Related: BECE School Selection in Ghana: Complete Guide for Candidates and Parents
Important Dates for the 2026 School Selection Exercise
The school choice upload exercise will run for three days.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| School choice upload begins | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 |
| School choice upload ends | Friday, August 21, 2026 |
| Platform | CSSPS portal |
| Website | cssps.gov.gh |
| Responsible officers | Heads of basic schools |
| Candidates affected | BECE candidates |
The short window makes it important for schools to complete the process within the announced period.
➡ Related: CSSPS School Selection: How the Placement System Works
➡ Related: BECE 2026 School Selection Guidelines
What Basic School Heads Are Expected to Do
Heads of basic schools are expected to upload the school choices submitted by their BECE candidates through the CSSPS platform.
School authorities should carefully verify the information before finalising the submission. Errors in candidate information or school choices can create difficulties during subsequent stages of the placement process.
Candidates and parents should therefore communicate with their respective schools to confirm that their choices have been properly submitted.
➡ Related: How to Choose Senior High Schools After BECE
➡ Related: CSSPS School Selection and Placement Guide for Parents
What BECE Candidates and Parents Should Know
The directive does not mean that the entire CSSPS placement process has been completed. It concerns the initial uploading of candidates’ school choices by basic school heads.
Candidates and parents should continue to follow official announcements concerning the next stages of the process, including the opening of the relevant WAEC portal.
Parents should also avoid relying on unofficial social media messages when making decisions about school selection.
The final school placement process involves the CSSPS system and is subject to the applicable guidelines and placement arrangements.
➡ Related: BECE 2026 School Selection: SHS Choices and Placement
➡ Related: Best SHS Selection Strategies for BECE Candidates
WAEC Portal Opening
According to the directive, the CSSPS upload by schools is taking place ahead of WAEC’s official portal opening.
This distinction is important because the school-level upload and the subsequent candidate-facing process should not be treated as the same stage.
Candidates should wait for the official announcement concerning the opening of the WAEC portal and follow the instructions provided by the appropriate authorities.
➡ Related: WAEC BECE 2026: Examination Guide for Candidates
➡ Related: BECE Results and SHS Placement in Ghana
EducateGhana Analysis
Educational Significance
The school selection process is a major transition point for BECE candidates moving from basic education into senior high school and other second-cycle institutions. Accurate capture of candidates’ choices is therefore important.
Policy Implications
The directive places responsibility on basic school authorities to ensure that candidate choices are properly recorded before the subsequent stages of the placement process.
Implementation Considerations
School heads should verify candidate information and school choices before submission. Candidates and parents should also communicate with schools where clarification is required.
Future Outlook
The upload exercise from August 19 to August 21, 2026 is expected to precede further stages of the 2026 school selection and placement process. Candidates should monitor official CSSPS, GES and WAEC announcements for subsequent instructions.
➡ Related: Ghana’s 2026 SHS Placement Process Explained
➡ Related: CSSPS Placement Challenges and How Candidates Can Respond
Why You Can Trust This Information
This report is based on the GES directive concerning the uploading of BECE candidates’ school choices through the CSSPS portal. Candidates, parents and schools should verify subsequent instructions through official GES, CSSPS and WAEC communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will schools upload BECE candidates’ school choices?
The upload exercise is scheduled for August 19 to August 21, 2026.
2. Who is responsible for uploading the choices?
The directive is addressed to heads of basic schools.
3. Which portal will schools use?
Schools will use the CSSPS portal.
4. What is the CSSPS website?
The CSSPS portal is cssps.gov.gh.
5. Is the WAEC portal already open?
The school upload is taking place ahead of the official opening of the WAEC portal.
6. What should candidates do?
Candidates should confirm their school choices with their schools and follow official announcements concerning the next stage.
7. Should parents contact their children’s schools?
Yes. Parents can communicate with the relevant school authorities to clarify whether their children’s choices have been properly captured.
8. Does this mean SHS placement has already been completed?
No. The upload of school choices is one stage in the wider school selection and placement process.
9. How many days will the school upload exercise last?
The stated window runs for three days, from August 19 to August 21, 2026.
10. Where should candidates get further updates?
Candidates and parents should rely on official communications from GES, CSSPS and WAEC.
Conclusion
GES has directed heads of basic schools to upload BECE 2026 candidates’ school choices through the CSSPS portal from August 19 to August 21, 2026, ahead of the official opening of the WAEC portal.
Candidates and parents should work closely with their schools, verify the accuracy of submitted choices and await further official instructions on the subsequent stages of the 2026 school selection and placement process.
About the Author
Ferdinand Ellis is an education blogger, curriculum specialist, researcher and education policy analyst. He is the Founder and Editor of EducateGhana.com. His work focuses on curriculum studies, teacher education, educational assessment, education policy and evidence-based educational reform.
Last Updated: August 19, 2026
