If you’re looking for a guide on SHS in Ghana and their courses, this article is all you need. Ghana’s educational system has lots of choices when it comes to picking your SHS.
We have all the information you need about Senior High Schools in Ghana that will help you find your perfect fit.
We’ll cover everything from the top schools to their courses, fees, and requirements.
Table of contents
- SHS in Ghana
- What grade is SHS in Ghana?
- SHS in Ghana fees
- SHS in Ghana requirements
- List of SHS in Ghana and their courses
- Top Private SHS in Ghana
- Public SHS in Ghana
- Single-sex SHS in Ghana
- Mixed SHS in Ghana
- Which shs is best in science in Ghana?
- What are the best technical senior high schools in Ghana?
- What is the most expensive senior high school in Ghana?
- What is the oldest SHS school in Ghana?
- How many years does it take to complete shs in Ghana?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
SHS in Ghana
You know how after Junior High School (JHS), you’re ready to take that next step in your education? Well, SHS is where you do that! It’s like the bridge between JHS and higher education.
It’s where you really get to figure out what you like, what you’re good at, and what you might want to do for the rest of your life. It’s a big deal!
Choosing an SHS in Ghana is kinda like picking out a new outfit, but instead of clothes, you’re picking out a future. It’s where you start to carve out a path for yourself and figure out what you really want to do.
And the best part is, there’s a school out there for everyone. From private to public, co-ed to single-sex, boarding to day, there’s a Ghanaian SHS that’s perfect for you.
Read: 15+ Graphic design courses in Ghana |Requirements, and Fees
What grade is SHS in Ghana?
So, Senior High School (SHS) in Ghana is what we call “high school” in the United States. It lasts for three years, starting in tenth grade (or the tenth year of schooling).
Then, after you finish twelfth grade, you take the WASSCE, which is like a big exam that tests you on everything you’ve learned in high school.
Again, it’s a big deal, because it determines what kind of higher education opportunities you’ll have in Ghana.
SHS in Ghana fees
SHS fees in Ghana is around GHS 1,000 for application and GHS 10,000 for admission at Ghana Christian International High School, to GHS 3,000 for boarding students at St. Andrews SHS. To Lincoln Community School with GH₵ 100,000 fees a year! That’s enough to buy a small island!
And if you’re thinking about sending your child to a private SHS in Ghana, the fees could be even more than what we’ve already talked about.
SHS in Ghana requirements
First things first: you’ll need to have finished your Junior High School (JHS) and have a JHS certificate.
Then, pass the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) with at least a C6 in English and Maths. This is a big test that all JHS students take. Your score on this test will help decide which SHS you can go to.
After that, you’ll need to fill out the Senior High School application form and submit it before the deadline.
You’ll also need to submit your birth certificate, immunization records, and school reports. And, depending on the school, you might need to pay an application fee or provide a letter of recommendation.
Once you’ve done all of these, you wait. The Ministry of Education will review your application and assign you to a school based on your BECE results and your school preferences.
Also, read: 15+ Government Free Online Courses with Certificates In Ghana
List of SHS in Ghana and their courses
Generally, the courses offered in Ghana are mostly categorized under the following:
- General science
- General arts
- Business
- Home economics
- Visual arts
- Agriculture
- Technical studies
Now, let’s talk about each school and the courses they offer:
1. Our Lady of Grace Senior High School
One of Ghana’s best SHS in Ghana is Our Lady of Grace Senior High School (OLAG). It’s private, Catholic, and backed by a U.S. parish, which means it’s got some serious resources.
OLAG is all about helping students find their passion and achieve their potential. They’ve got top-notch teachers, facilities, and co-curricular activities to help you grow and develop your skills. And with their value-centered education, you’ll learn to be a good citizen who’s honest, respectful, and hardworking.
Courses offered:
General Arts
ARTS 1
- Government
- History
- Economics / French
- Geography / Literature / CRS
ARTS 2
- Geography
- Economics / Arts & Design Foundation
- Additional Maths
- Computing
ARTS 3
- Geography / Government
- Economics / Home Economics
- Additional Maths / CRS
- Arts & Design Foundation / Performing Arts / Twi / Business Studies
Vocational STUDIES
home economics
- Home Economics
- Biology
- Arts and Design Foundation
- French/Physical Education and Health/Business studies
visual arts
- Arts and Design Foundation
- Arts and design studio
- Computing
- Performing arts / Additional Maths
business STUDIES
Business
- Business studies (Year 1)
- Economics
- Computing/French
- Additional Maths
- Financial accounting (Year 2&3)
- Business management (Year 2&3)
General Science
SCIENCE 1
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Additional Maths
- Biology
SCIENCE 2
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Additional Maths
- Elective IT
SCIENCE 3
- Physics
- Chemistry/Applied Technology (Building Construction & wood technology)
- Biology/Geography/Design and Communication Technology
- Additional maths
2. Achimota Senior High School
Another standout SHS in Ghana is Achimota Senior High School (ASHS). It stands for some big ideas, like equality for boys and girls, mutual understanding among different races, and respect for traditional African culture.
Plus, it’s all based on their belief in Jesus as a role model for all. If you’re looking for a school that values respect, cooperation, and service, ASHS is a solid choice. The school has two specialized schools:
- Music School
- Arts School
Courses offered:
- English language
- Mathematics
- Integrated Science
- Social Studies
- Information Communication Technology
- Economics
- History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Governments
- Geography
- Literature in English
- French
3. St. Andrews Senior High School
Another great choice for SHS in Ghana is St. Andrews Senior High School. Prof. Richard Kofi Asiedu founded it in 2005, and it’s grown from a small school with just 25 students to a network of campuses with hundreds of students.
They offer a wide range of courses, from general arts to business and home economics. And Prof. Asiedu, who started the school, is quite a guy! He’s got a PhD in Human Resource Management, so you know he knows his stuff.
If you’re looking for a school with a solid background and a diverse curriculum, St. Andrews is worth considering
Courses offered:
Business
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Accounting
- Typing
- Business Management
- Office Practices
Visual Arts
- Graphic Design
- Textiles Ceramics
- Leatherworks
- Economics
- Literature
General Science
- Chemistry
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Biology
Agricultural Science
- Mathematics
- General Agriculture
- Animal/Crop Husbandry
- Physics
- Chemistry
Home Economics
- General knowledge of arts
- Text Economics
- Food and nutrition
- Textile
General Arts
- Geography
- Economics
- French
- History and government
- Religious studies
See Also: Top 10+ Business Administration Courses in Ghana | 2024 Requirements
4. Opoku Ware Senior High School
Next on our list of top Ghanaian SHS is Opoku Ware Senior High School or OWASS for short. Located in Kumasi, this all-boys, Catholic school has a solid reputation in the region.
The Ashanti region is the place to be, and OWASS is right in the thick of things. If you’re a young man looking for a strong, Catholic education, OWASS is worth checking out.
Courses offered:
General arts
- Arts 1 offer the following subjects; Economics, Government, Literature, CRS or Twi or French.
- Arts 2; Economics, Geography, Government or History or French or Music.
- Arts3: Economics Geography, Government, and Elective Mathematics
- Arts 4: Economics Geography, Government and Elective Mathematics
General science
This department is the largest with the courses comprising four sections: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Integrated Science.
The students offer two main elective subject combinations:
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Elective Maths and
- Physics, Chemistry, Elective ICT and Elective Maths
Visual arts
- General Knowledge in Art
- Sculpture
- Graphic Design
- Picture Making
In addition the student is supposed to choose one of the following as a fourth elective;
- Elective Mathematics
- Elective ICT
Currently, Graphic Design alternates with Picture Making, and Elective Mathematics alternates with Elective ICT.
Business
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Accounting
- Typing
- Business Management
- Office Practices
5. Holy Child Senior High School
Another great all-girls school in Ghana is Holy Child School, also known as Angel’s Hill. Located in Cape Coast, it’s got a lot to boast about – not only was it ranked one of the best 10 schools in Africa in 2003, but it also produced the best overall female student in the 2003 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSSCE).
Talk about a school that walks the talk! With over 1000 young women ages 14-18, this boarding school is serious about providing a top-notch education.
Courses offered:
Business
- Business Management
- Accounting
- Principle of Costing (or Elective Mathematics)
- Economics
- French
General Science
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Elective Mathematics
Home Economics
- General Knowledge in Arts
- Text Economics
- Food and Nutrition
- Management in Living
- Textile
- French
General Arts
- Geography
- Economics
- French
- Literature in English
- Religious Studies
- History and Government
Visual Arts
- Literature in English
- General Knowledge in Arts
- Graphic Design
- Textile
- Picture Making
- Leatherwork
- Sculpture
- Ceramics
- French
- Economics
- Basketry
6. Adisadel College
If you’re looking for an all-boys boarding school with a rich history and a solid reputation, look no further than Adisadel College, also known as “Adisco”.
Established way back in 1910 by Rt. Rev. Nathaniel T. Hamlyn, this Anglican school has been educating young men for over a century. Talk about a school with staying power!
Not only that, but Adisco has been recognized as one of the top high schools in Africa, based on all sorts of factors like education quality and alumni activities.
Courses offered:
- GENERAL ARTS – government or French or Music, Elective Maths, Economics and Geography OR Literature in English, History, Christian Religious Studies and Government or French or Music.
- BUSINESS – Economics, Accounting, Business Management, and Business Maths & Costing or Elective Maths.
- SCIENCE – Geography or Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Elective Maths
- VISUAL ARTS – General Knowledge in Art, Graphics, Textiles, Economics, and Ceramics or Picture Making. In addition to the above each student is to take courses in the following core subjects
- English Language, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Religion & Moral Education and Physical Education
Top Private SHS in Ghana
Here’s a list of the private Senior High Schools in Ghana:
- Saint Andrews Senior High School
- Ghana Christian International School
- The Morning Star International High School
- Akosombo International School
- Ideal College
- Alpha Beta Christian College
- O’Reilly Senior High School
- SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College
- Tema International School
- Preset Pacesetters Senior High School
Public SHS in Ghana
See the top public Senior High Schools in Ghana:
- Achimota School, Accra
- Adisadel College, Cape Coast
- Mfantsipim School, Cape Coast
- St. Augustine’s College, Cape Coast
- Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, Kumasi
- Prempeh College, Kumasi
- Opoku Ware School, Kumasi
- St. Peter’s Boys Senior High School, Nkwatia Kwahu
- Accra Academy, Accra
- St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School, Accra
- Wesley Girls Senior High School, Cape Coast
- Aburi Girls Senior High School, Aburi
- St. Mary’s Senior High School, Korle Gonno
- Ghana National College, Cape Coast
- Holy Child School, Cape Coast
- Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary, Koforidua
- St. John’s School, Sekondi
- Ghana Secondary Technical School, Takoradi
- Mfantsiman Girls’ Secondary School, Saltpond
- Ghana Senior High School, Tamale
See Also: Top 10+ Free Alison Courses in Ghana | 2024
Single-sex SHS in Ghana
See the single-sex senior high schools in Ghana:
Girls
- Wesley Girls’ High School
- Holy Child School
- St. Mary’s Senior High School
- Archbishop Porter Girls’ Secondary School
- Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School
- Aburi Girls’ Senior High School
- St. Louis Senior High School
- Afia Kubi Girls Senior High School
- St. Roses Senior High School
- OLA Senior High School
- St. Monica’s Senior High School
Boys
- Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon
- Adisadel College
- St. Augustine’s College
- Bishop Herman College
Mixed SHS in Ghana
See a list of mixed Senior High Schools in Ghana:
- Ghana National College, Cape Coast
- Aburi Girls Senior High School, Aburi
- St. Mary’s Senior High School, Korle Gonno
- Accra Academy, Accra
- Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary, Koforidua
- St. Francis Xavier Junior Seminary, Wa
- Sunyani Senior High School, Sunyani
- Pope John Paul II Catholic Senior High School, Elmina
- Mawuli Senior High School, Ho
- Tamale Girls Senior High School, Tamale
- Peki Senior High School, Peki
And below is a list of all the senior high schools in Ghana pdf:
Which shs is best in science in Ghana?
You know, Ghana has some top-notch science programs at its SHS. Some of the best science schools in Ghana include Presec – Legon, Prempeh College, Adisadel College, Opoku Ware School, Mfantsipim School, and St. Thomas Aquinas SHS, to name a few.
These schools are like the superheroes of science education, cranking out students who are ready to take on the world with their mad science skills.
What are the best technical senior high schools in Ghana?
See the best technical SHS in Ghana:
- Abetifi Technical Institute
- Amankwakrom Fisheries and Agricultural Technical Institute
- Comboni Technical Vocational Institute
- Don Bosco Vocational and Technical Institute
- Enyan-Abaasa Technical Institute
- Have Technical Institute
- Krobea Asante Vocational and Technical Institute
- Sacred Heart Technical Institute
- St. Basilides Vocational and Technical Institute
- St. Joseph’s Technical Institute (Northern)
- St. Joseph’s Technical Institute (Eastern)
- Sunyani Methodist Technical Institute
See: What Are Vocational Courses? 50+ Popular Vocational Courses After 12th and 10th
What is the most expensive senior high school in Ghana?
It’s simply Lincoln Community School.
The title of the most expensive SHS in Ghana goes Lincoln Community School, with fees reaching a whopping GH₵ 100,000 a year!
Same goes for Ghana International School and Ghana International College both of which come second and third, respectively, on the list of the most expensive SHS in Ghana.
These places are like the Ferraris of the Ghanaian education system—high quality, but only for those who can afford it.
What is the oldest SHS school in Ghana?
When it comes to senior high schools in Ghana, Mfantsipim is the OG. Established way back in 1876, it’s been around since before Ghana was even Ghana!
It’s the oldest SHS in the country, founded by a Methodist dude named James Picot who was just 18 years old when he started the school.
If you’re looking for a school with a rich history and serious staying power, Mfantsipim might be your jam.
Also, read: Official List of UENR Courses and Requirements | Fees and Cut off Points
How many years does it take to complete shs in Ghana?
How long is senior high school in Ghana? The answer: three years (or four if you’re doing a double-track system).
Each year is divided into three terms, and you’ll get a letter grade or percentage for each subject in each term.
FAQs
Over 981 SHS in Ghana according to Wikipedia.
The first SHS in Ghana is Mfantsipim, established in 1876.
Presec is Ghana’s most competitive SHS, boasting 6 NSMQ wins.
Conclusion
Ghana’s SHS system has many schools with different requirements, fees, and courses, each school with its vibes.
No matter which school you choose, you can expect a quality education and a chance to make friends for life. So take your time, do your research, and find the SHS that’s right for you.
References
- allhighschools.wordpress.com – Ghana Schools
- ghanahighschools.com – SHS courses offered in Ghana
- yen.com.gh – St. Andrews Senior High schools
- pulse.com.gh – single-sex senior high schools in Ghana