Understanding the BECE Grading System in Ghana: What Every Parent Should Know

Every year, parents and students across Ghana wait anxiously for BECE results. But many families do not fully understand how the grading system works, what the aggregate score means, and how it determines SHS placement. This guide breaks it down clearly.

How BECE is Graded

BECE results are reported as grades for each subject, ranging from 1 (the highest) to 9 (the lowest). A grade of 1 means a student demonstrated excellent performance in that subject, while higher numbers indicate weaker performance. The passing threshold and what constitutes a good grade varies by context, but generally, grades 1 through 6 are considered passing grades.

Understanding the Aggregate Score

The aggregate score is calculated by adding together the grades from a student's best six subjects. This means the lowest possible aggregate (the best score) is 6 (getting grade 1 in all six subjects), and higher aggregates indicate weaker overall performance.

This aggregate score is what determines SHS placement. Schools across Ghana, from the most sought-after institutions in Accra to regional schools in Tamale and Cape Coast, set aggregate cutoffs for admission. The lower your aggregate, the more school options are available to you.

How SHS Placement Works

After BECE results are released, students are placed into SHS through the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). Students rank their preferred schools and programmes before the exam, and the system matches them based on their aggregate scores and available spaces.

This is why the aggregate matters so much. A student with an aggregate of 10 has access to more school choices than a student with an aggregate of 20. Parents in every corner of Ghana, whether in Kumasi, Ho, Sunyani, or Bolgatanga, understand this competition.

The Role of Continuous Assessment

BECE grades are not based solely on the final exam. Continuous assessment (CA) scores from school contribute to the final grade. This means that a student's performance throughout JHS, not just on exam day, affects their outcome. Read our detailed guide on continuous assessment in Ghana for more on this topic.

What Parents Should Know

Understanding the grading system empowers you to set realistic goals and track your child's progress meaningfully. Instead of simply hoping for good results, you can work with your child to target specific subjects where improvement would lower their aggregate.

Tools like Olearna give parents a weekly readiness signal, so you do not have to wait until results day to know where your child stands. You can see which subjects need attention and act on that information in real time.