ALL SHS IN GHANA AND THEIR CATEGORIES

Ghana’s senior high schools (SHS) are grouped into seven categories: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G based on factors such as academic performance, facilities, staff expertise, and historical reputation. This tiered system helps the Ghana Education Service allocate resources and guides students and parents in choosing schools that best fit their needs.

By understanding Ghana’s seven SHS categories—A through G—students and parents can make informed decisions that align resources, academic strengths, and personal goals. Each category plays a distinct role in the educational ecosystem, ensuring broad access while promoting excellence and skill development across the country.

Category A schools are the best SHS in Ghana, followed by Category B and then Category C. Category D includes day combines schools from A, B, and C. Category E is for public technical and vocational schools, also called TVET. Category F are private senior high schools in Ghana. Category G senior high schools are private technical and vocational schools in Ghana. Below is an overview of each category, followed by a breakdown explaining what each category means, some of its leading schools, and other key details.

Here are the seven SHS categories in Ghana:

Category A
Category B
Category C
Category D
Category E
Category F
Category G

1. Category A

Category A represents the top tier or the best of Ghana’s senior high schools. These institutions boast long histories—often dating back to the early twentieth century—outstanding records in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), and extensive amenities. Well-equipped science and computer labs, large libraries, and full boarding facilities create an environment geared toward academic excellence. Strong alumni networks and external partnerships further buttress their development.

Leading Category A schools include Achimota School, Mfantsipim School, Wesley Girls’ Senior High, Aburi Girls Senior High School, Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon), and Prempeh College. Admissions are highly competitive, and students here frequently win national quizzes, athletics championships, and debating tournaments. Beyond academics, these schools emphasise leadership training, community service, and co-curricular activities that nurture well-rounded graduates.

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TOP 10 CATEGORY A SCHOOLS IN GHANA

ALL CATEGORY A SCHOOLS IN GHANA

2. Category B

Category B schools form the second tier or second-best SHS in Ghana. They maintain solid academic outcomes in WASSCE and offer good co-curricular programmes, though their facilities may not match the scale of Category A. Many combine day-student sections with boarding houses, serving both local and distant pupils. Government support and partnerships with universities or industry help them improve infrastructure and teaching quality over time.

Notable Category B institutions include Ghana National College, KNUST Senior High School, Keta Senior High Technical School, Labone Senior High School, and St. John’s Grammar School. These schools often rank in the nation’s top 20–30 WASSCE listings and field competitive teams in sports and quiz competitions. Their balanced focus on academics and practical skills makes them popular among students seeking strong performance with broader access.

TOP 10 BEST CATEGORY B SCHOOLS IN GHANA

3. Category C

Category C schools are typically found in peri-urban and rural areas. While they may have more modest facilities than higher tiers, many excel in both academic and vocational education. These schools offer the standard WASSCE subjects—General Science, General Arts, Business, Home Economics, Visual Arts—alongside technical or agricultural courses in response to local community needs.

Prominent Category C schools include Peki Senior High/Technical School, Zion Senior High School, Wa Senior High/Technical School, O’Reilly Senior High School, Presby Senior High School (Suhum), Potsin T. I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School, Assin State College, Wesley High School (Bekwai), Tema Senior High School, and Tamale Senior High School. Their strengths lie in hands-on workshops, demonstration farms, and robust community engagement that complement classroom learning. As resources expand, many Category C schools are steadily raising their academic standards.

TOP 10 BEST CATEGORY C SCHOOLS IN GHANA

4. Category D

Category D comprises catchment-area day schools intended to serve students living within a short radius—usually ten miles—of campus. These schools may have limited boarding or none at all, prioritising accessibility for local youths. Infrastructure and staffing levels vary, but they play a critical role in ensuring that education is within reach for every community.

Examples include Atebubu Senior High School, Kade Senior High School, and Wenchi Senior High School. Though their WASSCE pass rates may trail higher tiers, many Category D schools are improving through targeted investments in classrooms, laboratories, and teacher training programmes. Their close ties to local stakeholders help drive incremental progress.

5. Category E

Category E schools focus on technical and vocational training alongside the WASSCE curriculum. Students split time between academic lessons and hands-on workshops, such as carpentry, masonry, metal fabrication, electrical installation, or automotive repair. This dual approach equips graduates with both certification and practical skills, ready for immediate employment or further technical study.

Prominent Category E institutions include Accra Technical Institute, Kumasi Technical Institute, and Tema Technical Institute. They often collaborate with industry partners for apprenticeships and job placements, making them vital contributors to Ghana’s skilled labour force. Investment in modern equipment and instructor development continues to expand their capacity and reach.

TOP 10 BEST TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS (TVET) IN GHANA

6. Category F

Category F encompasses private and mission-run schools that fall outside the public ranking system but offer alternative pathways and specialised programmes. Quality and resources vary considerably, from well-appointed academies to smaller, community-supported schools. Many cater to niche interests—such as business, language immersion, or faith-based education.

Examples include Mars Business Senior High School, Salem Senior High School, Harvard Senior High School, and City Senior High/Business College. These institutions often charge fees, maintain smaller class sizes, and may offer unique curricula or extracurricular focuses. For families seeking a private setting or specific educational emphasis, Category F schools provide valuable options.

TOP 10 BEST PRIVATE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN GHANA

7. Category G

Category G schools, on the other hand, are private technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.

They specialise in equipping students with practical skills in fields such as carpentry, fashion design, catering, and electrical engineering. These schools play a crucial role in preparing students for the workforce by combining hands-on training with theoretical knowledge.