The performance of Senior High Schools (SHS) in Ghana has always been a critical focus for both students and parents, especially as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) serves as a key determinant for university admissions.
Recently, Kofi Asare, the Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (EduWatch), released a comprehensive ranking of the top 20 public SHS based on their average pass rates in WASSCE from 2017 to 2023. This ranking reflects schools that have consistently excelled over the years, producing students with impressive A1-C6 pass rates.
The following is a detailed look at the top 20 public SHS based on their average WASSCE pass rate:
Top 20 WASSCE ranking schools in Ghana from 2017-2023
1. St. James Seminary Senior High School – 98.78%
St. James Seminary has secured its place as the top school in this ranking with an exceptional average pass rate of 98.78%. Known for its strict discipline and academic excellence, the seminary has consistently produced remarkable results in the WASSCE, particularly in science and arts subjects.
2. Our Lady of Providence SHS – 94.42%
Our Lady of Providence SHS ranks second, maintaining a high academic standard with a 94.42% average pass rate. The school’s dedication to nurturing students academically and morally has been reflected in its WASSCE performance over the years.
3. St. Augustine’s College – 94.36%
St. Augustine’s College, affectionately called “Augusco,” is one of Ghana’s most prestigious boys’ schools. With a 94.36% pass rate, the school continues its legacy of academic excellence, particularly in subjects like mathematics and the sciences.
4. Odumaseman Senior High School – 93.46%
Odumaseman SHS ranks fourth with a commendable 93.46% pass rate. The school’s focus on hard work and consistency in both teaching and learning has earned it a place among the top performers in WASSCE.
5. St. Rose’s Senior High School – 91.60%
St. Rose’s Senior High School, an all-girls school, ranks fifth with a 91.60% pass rate. Known for its strong performance in science and arts, St. Rose’s has long been celebrated for producing academically outstanding female students.
6. Wesley Girls’ High School – 88.96%
Wesley Girls’ High School is no stranger to academic excellence, boasting an 88.96% pass rate. One of Ghana’s top girls’ schools, “Wey Gey Hey” has a history of molding students into confident and well-rounded individuals.
7. Holy Child Senior High School – 88.72%
Holy Child SHS, another leading girls’ school, comes in seventh place with an 88.72% pass rate. Known for its holistic approach to education, Holy Child has consistently performed well in both the sciences and humanities.
8. Aburi Girls’ Senior High School – 88.30%
Aburi Girls’, also known as “Abugiss,” ranks eighth with an 88.30% pass rate. The school’s serene location and focus on academic discipline make it one of the most sought-after girls’ schools in Ghana.
9. Notre Dame Seminary Senior High School – 87.73%
Notre Dame Seminary, another seminary school, ranks ninth with an 87.73% pass rate. Like St. James, Notre Dame Seminary is renowned for its high academic standards and discipline.
10. St. Peter’s Senior High School – 87.19%
St. Peter’s SHS, popularly known as “PERSCO,” ranks tenth with an 87.19% pass rate. The school has a strong track record in WASSCE, especially in mathematics and science subjects.
11. Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC) – 86.13%
Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, or PRESEC, is one of the most well-known and respected schools in Ghana. With an 86.13% pass rate, PRESEC continues to be a leader in science education and quiz competitions.
12. Sumaaman Senior High School – 85.71%
Sumaaman SHS takes the twelfth spot with an 85.71% pass rate. Though not as well-known as some of the schools on this list, Sumaaman has shown remarkable consistency in academic performance.
13. St. Louis Senior High School – 85.71%
St. Louis SHS, a reputable all-girls school, also boasts an 85.71% pass rate, tied with Sumaaman SHS. The school has long been known for its strong performance in both WASSCE and extracurricular activities.
14. Opoku Ware Senior High School – 85.36%
Opoku Ware School (OWASS), another top boys’ school, ranks fourteenth with an 85.36% pass rate. Known for producing top-tier students, particularly in the sciences, OWASS continues to uphold its reputation as a center of academic excellence.
15. Jinijini Senior High School – 84.36%
Jinijini SHS follows closely with an 84.36% pass rate. The school’s consistent performance over the years has earned it a place among the top 20.
16. Mfantsipim School – 83.79%
Mfantsipim School, one of Ghana’s oldest boys’ schools, comes in sixteenth with an 83.79% pass rate. Known for its strong alumni network and academic legacy, Mfantsipim remains a top choice for many students.
17. Adisadel College – 83.33%
Adisadel College, also known as “Adisco,” ranks seventeenth with an 83.33% pass rate. This all-boys school has a long-standing tradition of academic and extracurricular excellence.
18. Berekum Presbyterian Senior High School – 82.94%
Berekum Presby SHS earns the eighteenth spot with an 82.94% pass rate. The school’s steady academic performance has placed it among the top schools in the country.
19. Bechem Business College – 81.94%
Bechem Business College takes the nineteenth spot with an 81.94% pass rate. Known for its focus on business and commerce education, the school has consistently produced top results in WASSCE.
20. Tarchire Senior High School – 80.58%
Closing the top 20 list is Tarchire SHS with an 80.58% pass rate. The school’s commitment to academic excellence has been evident in its WASSCE results, securing its place among the best in the country.
Conclusion
The rankings highlight the diversity and strength of Ghana’s public secondary schools across different regions and educational focuses. From seminaries and all-boys’ institutions to prestigious all-girls’ schools, these top-performing schools have set a benchmark in academic achievement. Their consistent performance over the years reflects the quality of education provided and the hard work of both students and staff in achieving excellence in the WASSCE.
Source: GESHub.org
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