Ghana’s educational landscape is enriched with a rich history of senior high schools (SHS) that have stood the test of time. These institutions have shaped the nation’s minds and become symbols of academic excellence and tradition.

The longevity of these schools has had a profound impact on their quality of tuition. Over the decades, they have built robust academic traditions, established rich alumni networks, and created environments that foster discipline and excellence. Their storied histories contribute to a culture of pride and responsibility, ensuring that each generation upholds the standards set by those before them.

These institutions have also benefited from infrastructural development, partnerships, and a wealth of teaching experience passed down through the years, resulting in a well-rounded education that combines heritage with modern pedagogical techniques.

The top 30 oldest SHS in Ghana are not merely educational institutions but historic landmarks that continue to shape the nation’s future leaders. Their legacy of excellence endures, making them pillars of Ghana’s educational system.

Here is a comprehensive look at the top 30 oldest SHS in Ghana, detailing their history, establishment dates, locations, and the impact their longevity has had on their quality of tuition.

Top 30 oldest senior high schools in Ghana:

Number	School	Year of Establishment	Age @ 2025
1	MFANTSIPIM SCHOOL	1876	149
2	WESLEY GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL	1884	141
3	GHANA SEC. TECH. SHS	1909	116
4	ADISADEL COLLEGE	1910	115
5	ACCRA HIGH SCHOOL	1923	102
6	ACHIMOTA  SCHOOL	1924	101
7	O’REILLY SNR. HIGH SCHOOL	1925	100
8	KROBO GIRLS SHS	1927	98
9	ST. AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE	1930	95
10	ACCRA  ACADEMY	1931	94
11	GHANATA SHS	1936	89
12	ABUAKWA STATE COLLEGE	1937	88
13	OSEI KYERETWEI SHS	1937	88
14	ZION SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL	1937	88
15	PRESEC LEGON	1938	87
16	CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC SHS	1938	87
17	AGGREY MEMORIAL SHS	1940	85
18	OSEI TUTU	1940	85
19	ODORGONNOR SHS	1940	85
20	GHANA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL	1943	82
21	ABURI GIRL’S SHS	1946	79
22	PREMPEH COLLEGE	1949	76
23	TAMALE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL	1951	74
24	OPOKU WARE SHS	1952	73
25	ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SHS	1952	73
26	FIJAI SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL	1952	73
27	KETA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL	1953	72
27	St. PETER’S BOYS SHS	1957	68
29	POPE JOHN SHS	1958	67
30	YAA ASENTEWAA GIRLS SHS	1961	64

1. Mfantsipim School –

Established in 1876 in Cape Coast, Mfantsipim is the oldest SHS in Ghana. Founded by the Methodist Church, it aimed to train boys for leadership and service. Mfantsipim School is 149 years old as of 2025, making it the oldest senior high school in Ghana.

2. Wesley Girls’ High School

Founded in 1884, this all-girls institution is located in Cape Coast and was established by the Wesleyan Mission to provide quality education to young women. Wesley Girls SHS is 141 years old as of 2025 making it the second-oldest senior high school in Ghana.

3. Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS)

Established in 1909 in Takoradi, GSTS focuses on technical and scientific education, preparing students for careers in engineering and technology. GSTS is 116 years old as of 2025, making it the third-oldest senior high school in Ghana.

4. Adisadel College

Founded in 1910 in Cape Coast, Adisadel is known for its strong Anglican roots and academic excellence.

5. Accra High School

Established in 1923 in Accra, this school holds a legacy of discipline and academic rigor.

6. Achimota School

Opened in 1924 in Accra, Achimota has produced some of Ghana’s most influential leaders and intellectuals.

7. O’Reilly Senior High School

Founded in 1925 in Accra, O’Reilly has long been a beacon of secondary education.

8. Krobo Girls’ SHS

Established in 1927 in Odumase Krobo, this institution focuses on empowering young women through education.

9. St. Augustine’s College

Founded in 1930 in Cape Coast, this Catholic boys’ school is renowned for academic and moral training.

10. Accra Academy

Established in 1931 in Accra, Accra Academy emphasizes holistic education.

11. Ghanata Senior High School

Founded in 1936 in Dodowa, Ghanata is celebrated for its community-driven approach to education.

12. Abuakwa State College

Established in 1937 in Kibi, the school plays a key role in providing quality education in the Eastern Region.

13. Osei Kyeretwie SHS

Opened in 1937 in Kumasi, this institution has become a hub for academic excellence in the Ashanti Region.

14. Zion Senior High School

Founded in 1937 in Winneba, Zion SHS has a rich history of nurturing young minds.

15. Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC)

Established in 1938 in Accra, PRESEC has consistently ranked among the top-performing schools.

16. Christ the King Catholic SHS

Founded in 1938, this institution prides itself on academic and moral discipline.

17. Aggrey Memorial SHS

Established in 1940 in Cape Coast, Aggrey Memorial has become synonymous with academic excellence.

18. Osei Tutu SHS

Founded in 1940 in Akropong, the school emphasizes discipline and academic achievement.

19. Odorgonno SHS

Established in 1940 in Accra, Odorgonno is one of the most respected schools in the capital.

20. Ghana Senior High School (GHANASS)

Founded in 1943 in Koforidua, GHANASS offers diverse academic programs.

21. Aburi Girls’ SHS

Established in 1946 in Aburi, this school is known for academic prowess and character development.

22. Prempeh College

Founded in 1949 in Kumasi, Prempeh has produced countless leaders in various fields.

23. Tamale Senior High School

Established in 1951 in Tamale, it serves as a major educational center in Northern Ghana.

24. Opoku Ware SHS

Founded in 1952 in Kumasi, Opoku Ware stands tall as a center of learning and discipline.

25. St. Thomas Aquinas SHS

Established in 1952 in Accra, the school fosters academic growth and moral uprightness.

26. Fijai Senior High School

Founded in 1952 in Takoradi, Fijai prides itself on discipline and academic rigor.

27. Keta Senior High School

Established in 1953 in Keta, the school has a strong reputation for producing well-rounded graduates.

28. St. Peter’s Boys SHS

Founded in 1957 in Nkwatia, St. Peter’s is known for academic excellence and discipline.

29. Pope John SHS

Established in 1958 in Koforidua, this Catholic institution combines academic rigor with moral education.

30. Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ SHS

Founded in 1961 in Kumasi, the school is dedicated to the education and empowerment of young women.

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