Students who have been placed in boarding Senior High Schools (SHS), Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS), or other applicable second-cycle institutions need to prepare more items than day students because they will be living on campus.
The GES Harmonized Prospectus 2026/2027 for SHS boarding students provides a useful guide to the clothing, bedding, toiletries, academic materials, personal effects, cleaning supplies and other items required for boarding school.
This article provides a boarding students-only checklist to help parents, guardians and students organize their school items before reporting.
What Is the GES Harmonized Prospectus for Boarding Students?
The GES Harmonized Prospectus is a list of items students are expected to have when reporting to school.
For boarding students, the requirements cover both academic life and residential life. This means a boarder needs items for classroom activities as well as sleeping, bathing, dressing, eating, personal hygiene and maintaining the school environment.
Unlike day students, boarding students normally need items such as:
- Bedding
- Mattress
- Pillow
- Mosquito net
- Trunk or suitcase
- Chop box
- Toiletries
- Sleeping clothes
- Additional personal clothing
- Cleaning materials
- Eating utensils
- Other residential essentials
Parents should therefore prepare the boarding prospectus as a complete checklist rather than purchasing only academic materials.
GES Harmonized Prospectus 2026/2027: Boarding Students’ Requirements
The following sections organize the boarding requirements into practical categories.
1. Trunk or Hard-Body Suitcase
A boarding student needs a suitable container for transporting and storing personal belongings.
The prospectus requirements include:
- One hard-body suitcase or trunk
- One wooden or plastic chop box
Parents should choose durable storage containers that can withstand regular movement between home and school.
Students are also encouraged to label their belongings clearly to make identification easier.
2. Eating and Drinking Items
Boarding students should have their own basic eating and drinking utensils.
Required items include:
- Drinking cup
- Plate
- Cutlery
These items should be durable and easy to clean.
Parents should avoid unnecessarily expensive or fragile utensils because students will be using them regularly.
3. Toiletries and Personal Care Items
Personal hygiene is particularly important for students living in boarding houses.
The boarding prospectus includes items such as:
- Deodorant
- Toilet rolls
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Bathing soap
- Pomade
- Sanitary pads for girls
Students may also need other basic personal-care items appropriate to their individual needs.
Personal toiletries should be packed separately and kept easily accessible.
4. Footwear Requirements
Boarding students need different types of footwear for school activities and everyday movement around campus.
The requirements include:
- Decent sandals
- Leather slippers
- Decent black or white sneakers
- School-specific coloured shoes
- Two pairs of school-specific socks
Footwear must comply with the school’s requirements. Parents should therefore avoid buying shoes with excessive decorations or designs where the school requires plain footwear.
5. Sleeping Clothes and Underwear
Students need sufficient clothing for sleeping and personal use.
The prospectus includes:
For all students
- Pyjamas or appropriate sleepwear
For girls
- Five pairs of pants
- Three vests
For boys
- Three boxer shorts or pants
- Three singlets
Students should have enough personal clothing to maintain good hygiene throughout the school week.
6. Bedding Requirements for Boarding Students
Bedding is one of the major differences between boarding and day-school requirements.
Boarding students should prepare:
- Pillow
- Two bedsheets
- Two pillowcases
- Plain white bedsheets and pillowcases
- Blanket
- Sleeping cloth
- Student mattress
Parents should pay particular attention to the required colours and specifications because some schools may have additional rules concerning bedding.
7. Mosquito Protection
Boarding students should also prepare for sleeping conditions in the school environment.
The prospectus includes:
- Student-size mosquito net
- Med Shea Organic Mosquito Repellent
A properly sized mosquito net should be packed together with the student’s bedding so that it is available when the student settles into the dormitory.
8. School Uniform and Clothing
Students should have the appropriate school clothing specified for their institution.
The boarding requirements include items such as:
- Khaki trousers
- White trousers or school-specific trousers
- White dress for ladies
- Two white shirts
- One short-sleeved shirt
- One long-sleeved shirt
- Two checked dresses where applicable
- School-specific colour belt
- School-specific colour shoes
Parents should confirm the exact uniform colours, styles and designs applicable to the student’s school before purchasing large quantities.
9. Academic Materials
Although boarding students live at school, their primary purpose for being there remains education.
The prospectus includes important academic materials such as:
- School bag
- Mathematical set
- Scientific calculator
Students should ensure that their academic materials are clearly labelled and kept safely.
Additional exercise books, pens, pencils and other classroom materials may also be required depending on the school’s instructions and the student’s programme.
10. Religious Items
The boarding prospectus also recognizes students’ religious needs.
Christian students may require:
- RSV or NIV Bible
- Hymn book
Muslim students may require:
- Quran
Students should follow the applicable religious requirements communicated by their school.
11. Plastic Bucket and Pail
Boarding students should prepare basic bathing and water-storage items.
The requirements include:
- Plastic bucket with cover
- Pail
These items are particularly useful for students living in boarding houses where they may need to carry or store water for personal use.
12. Cleaning and Sanitation Materials
Boarding students may also be required to contribute cleaning materials for maintaining dormitories and other school facilities.
The prospectus groups some of these items as follows.
Cleaning Group 1
Students assigned to this group may provide:
- Hard gloves
- 5-litre liquid soap
- 1 kg washing powder
Cleaning Group 2
Items include:
- Small bleach
- Dustpan
- Long-handle broom
- Scrubbing brush
Cleaning Group 3
Items include:
- Standing mop or mop bucket
- Duster
- Short local broom
Parents should check the student’s assigned group where the school uses a group-based arrangement.
13. Agricultural and Practical Items
Some boarding students may also be required to report with basic agricultural or practical tools.
The prospectus includes:
- Hoe
- Cutlass
These items may be associated with practical activities and school duties.
Parents should ensure that such tools are supplied according to the school’s specifications and handled safely.
Complete GES Boarding Prospectus 2026/2027 Checklist
The following checklist provides a convenient way for parents and students to track the major boarding requirements.
Storage
☐ Hard-body suitcase or trunk
☐ Wooden or plastic chop box
Eating and Drinking
☐ Drinking cup
☐ Plate
☐ Cutlery
Toiletries
☐ Deodorant
☐ Toilet rolls
☐ Toothpaste
☐ Toothbrush
☐ Bathing soap
☐ Pomade
☐ Sanitary pads for girls
Footwear
☐ Decent sandals
☐ Leather slippers
☐ Black or white sneakers
☐ Two pairs of school-specific socks
☐ School-specific coloured shoes
Clothing
☐ Pyjamas/sleepwear
☐ Khaki trousers
☐ White trousers or school-specific trousers
☐ White dress for ladies
☐ Two white shirts
☐ Two checked dresses where applicable
☐ School-specific colour belt
Underwear
☐ Five pants and three vests for girls
☐ Three boxer shorts/pants and three singlets for boys
Bedding
☐ Pillow
☐ Two plain white bedsheets
☐ Two plain white pillowcases
☐ Blanket
☐ Sleeping cloth
☐ Student mattress
Boarding and Personal Items
☐ Plastic bucket with cover
☐ Pail
☐ Student-size mosquito net
☐ Mosquito repellent
☐ School bag
Academic Materials
☐ Mathematical set
☐ Scientific calculator
Religious Materials
☐ RSV/NIV Bible or applicable Bible
☐ Hymn book for Christians
☐ Quran for Muslim students
Agricultural/Practical Items
☐ Hoe
☐ Cutlass
Cleaning Group 1
☐ Hard gloves
☐ 5-litre liquid soap
☐ 1 kg washing powder
Cleaning Group 2
☐ Small bleach
☐ Dustpan
☐ Long-handle broom
☐ Scrubbing brush
Cleaning Group 3
☐ Standing mop/mop bucket
☐ Duster
☐ Short local broom
Boarding Students vs Day Students: What Is Different?
The main difference between the two categories is residential requirements.
A boarding student lives within the school environment and therefore needs items for sleeping, bathing, storing personal belongings and maintaining personal hygiene.
A day student generally does not require those residential items.
| Item Category | Boarding Student | Day Student |
|---|---|---|
| Trunk/suitcase | Required | Generally not required |
| Chop box | Required | Generally not required |
| Mattress | Required | Not normally required |
| Bedsheets | Required | Not normally required |
| Pillow | Required | Not normally required |
| Blanket | Required | Not normally required |
| Mosquito net | Required | Not normally required |
| Toiletries | Required | Personal use |
| Sleeping clothes | Required | Not normally required |
| Eating utensils | Required | Depends on school |
| Academic materials | Required | Required |
| School uniform | Required | Required |
| School footwear | Required | Required |
| Cleaning materials | May be required | May be required |
This distinction is why parents should use the boarding prospectus rather than simply using a day-student checklist.
How Parents Should Prepare the Boarding Prospectus
Preparing a boarding student for SHS can be expensive, especially when many items have to be purchased at the same time.
A simple preparation strategy can make the process easier.
Step 1: Confirm the Student’s School
Parents should first confirm the student’s placement and school.
The school determines school-specific requirements such as uniform colours, footwear, belts and other items.
Step 2: Separate General and School-Specific Items
General items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, buckets, bedding and underwear can be prepared independently.
School-specific items should be purchased only after confirming the school’s specifications.
Step 3: Buy Items in Categories
Instead of purchasing everything randomly, parents can divide the shopping into:
- Bedding
- Clothing
- Footwear
- Toiletries
- Academic materials
- Eating utensils
- Storage items
- Cleaning materials
- Religious items
- Agricultural/practical items
This makes it easier to identify missing items.
Step 4: Label Personal Belongings
Boarding students have many personal belongings, and similar items can easily become mixed up.
Parents should consider putting the student’s name on:
- Trunk
- Chop box
- Bucket
- School bag
- Shoes
- Clothing
- Bedding
- Personal-care containers
Step 5: Pack According to Use
Frequently used items should be placed where the student can access them easily.
For example, toiletries can be packed together, while bedding can be grouped separately from academic materials.
Why the GES Harmonized Prospectus Is Important
The prospectus helps parents understand what a newly admitted boarding student needs before reporting to school.
It also helps to:
- Reduce last-minute shopping
- Prevent important items from being forgotten
- Organize school expenses
- Prepare students for boarding life
- Separate academic items from residential items
- Identify school-specific requirements
- Make reporting day easier for students and parents
A well-prepared student can settle into the boarding environment more comfortably and concentrate on school activities.
Important Tips Before Buying Boarding Items
Parents should avoid buying expensive quantities of every item before checking the student’s specific school instructions.
Particular attention should be given to:
- School uniform colours
- Approved footwear
- School-specific belts
- Required bedding colours
- Cleaning-group assignments
- Programme-specific requirements
- Items supplied by the school
- Items that must be purchased locally or from approved suppliers
The general prospectus provides the foundation, while the student’s school may provide additional instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the GES Boarding Prospectus
What is the GES Harmonized Prospectus 2026/2027 for boarding students?
It is a guide outlining the items boarding students are expected to prepare for SHS/SHTS and related second-cycle education. It covers academic, personal, residential, clothing, bedding, hygiene and cleaning requirements.
What bedding does an SHS boarding student need?
The requirements include a pillow, two plain white bedsheets, two pillowcases, a blanket, sleeping cloth and a student mattress.
Do boarding students need a trunk?
Yes. A hard-body suitcase or trunk is included among the boarding requirements, together with a wooden or plastic chop box.
Do boarding students need a mosquito net?
Yes. A student-size mosquito net is included among the boarding requirements.
What toiletries should boarding students take to school?
The requirements include deodorant, toilet rolls, toothpaste, toothbrush, bathing soap, pomade and sanitary pads for girls.
What footwear does a boarding student need?
The requirements include decent sandals, leather slippers, decent black or white sneakers, two pairs of school-specific socks and school-specific coloured shoes.
Do boarding students need a scientific calculator?
Yes. A scientific calculator and mathematical set are included among the academic requirements.
Do boarding students need cleaning materials?
Yes. Cleaning requirements can include gloves, liquid soap, washing powder, bleach, dustpan, brooms, scrubbing brush, mop, duster and other sanitation materials depending on the assigned group.
Do girls have additional boarding requirements?
Some personal items are specific to female students. The listed requirements include five pants, three vests and sanitary pads, alongside applicable clothing requirements.
Do boys have specific requirements?
The listed requirements for boys include three boxer shorts or pants and three singlets, alongside the general boarding requirements.
Do all schools require exactly the same items?
Not necessarily. Schools can provide additional instructions concerning uniforms, colours, footwear, programmes and other school-specific requirements.
Final Word
The GES Harmonized Prospectus 2026/2027 for SHS boarding students is an important preparation guide for parents and students getting ready for life in a boarding school.
Unlike day students, boarders need to prepare for both academic activities and residential life. Their requirements therefore extend beyond uniforms and school supplies to include bedding, toiletries, storage containers, eating utensils, sleeping clothes, personal-care items, cleaning materials and other boarding essentials.
The most effective approach is to treat the prospectus as a checklist. Parents can gradually purchase the items by category, label the student’s belongings and confirm any school-specific instructions before reporting.
Published By: Justice Donkoh | GESHub.org
If anything changes please alert me through my gmail
I want to ask if there is any need to go to the schools to cross check on the items given here