GES discloses when students can change SHS after school placement & enrolment – Check Here!

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has released official guidelines for SHS transfer in Ghana. This policy outlines how students can change Senior High School (SHS) or TVET institutions after school placement and enrolment.

According to GESHub.org, the SHS transfer process is carefully regulated to ensure fairness while meeting the diverse needs of students. Below are the requirements and procedures every parent, guardian, and student must follow before applying for a transfer.

Qualifications for SHS/TVET Student Transfer in Ghana

Before applying, students and parents must meet the following GES SHS transfer requirements:

1. The student must be properly enrolled in a public Senior High School before applying for a transfer.
2. Only Year 1 students moving into Year 2 qualify. Continuing Year 2 students moving to Year 3 and newly admitted Year 1 students are not eligible.
3. Students in a TVET school can only transfer to another TVET institution offering the same programme.
4. Students in a Senior High School cannot transfer directly to a TVET school, unless it is a Senior High Technical School with matching electives.
5. Transfers are allowed only to a school in the same category (A, B, or C) with the same electives.
6. Students in Category A schools may transfer to Category B or C schools depending on the reason. Category B students may also transfer to Category C schools.
7. Students in Category C schools can only transfer within Category C, and not upwards.

GES SHS Transfer Procedure – Step by Step

GES has made it clear that only the Director General (DG) of the Ghana Education Service or an assigned representative can approve transfers. The process of changing SHS after placement involves the following steps:

1. Parents or guardians must have valid, tangible reasons for requesting a transfer.
2. Obtain an Assurance Letter from the new school (showing they are willing to accept the student).
3. Request a Release Letter from the current school.
4. The student must remain in the original school until approval is granted.
5. The Head of the new school writes a transfer request to the DG of GES through the District and Regional Directors.
6. The District Director forwards the transfer application to the Regional Director.
7. The Regional Director sends the application to the GES Director General for review.
8. The DG reviews the case. Not all SHS transfer applications are approved.
9. If approved, a signed transfer letter is issued to:
   • The original school
   • The accepting school
   • The Free SHS Secretariat
   • The Ghana TVET Service
   • District and Regional Directors
10. The student’s records are updated by the Free SHS/TVET Secretariat to ensure smooth access to Free SHS benefits and bursaries.

Important Note from GES

• Heads of Schools, District, Municipal, and Regional Directors do not approve SHS transfers.
• Only the Director General of GES has the mandate to grant transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on SHS Transfers in Ghana

1. Can I change my SHS after placement in Ghana?
Yes, but only Year 1 students moving into Year 2 are eligible for transfers. Newly admitted Year 1 students and continuing Year 2 students moving into Year 3 cannot transfer.

2. Who approves SHS transfers in Ghana?
Only the Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) or his assigned representative can approve SHS or TVET transfers. Heads of schools and district directors do not have that authority.

3. Can a student transfer from a Senior High School to a TVET institution?
No, unless the SHS is a Senior High Technical School offering the same electives as the TVET institution. Generally, SHS-to-TVET transfers are not allowed.

4. Can students in Category A schools transfer to Category B or C schools?
Yes, students in Category A schools may transfer downwards to Categories B or C, depending on the reason. Students in Category C schools can only transfer within Category C.

5. What documents are required for SHS transfers?
Parents or guardians must secure an Assurance Letter from the new school and a Release Letter from the current school. Both letters, along with a transfer request, must be forwarded through the District and Regional Directors to the GES Director General.

6. Do all SHS transfer applications get approved?
No. Only transfer requests with compelling reasons are approved by GES. Each case is reviewed on its merits.

7. Will a student lose Free SHS benefits after transfer?
No. Once approved, the Free SHS Secretariat updates the student’s records to ensure smooth access to Free SHS bursaries in the new school.

Final Thoughts

The GES school transfer guidelines ensure transparency and fairness in Ghana’s Free SHS and TVET system. Students who wish to change SHS after placement and enrolment must follow the process carefully and meet the eligibility requirements.

Published By: Justice Donkoh | GESHub.org