Wednesday, 02 September

‘It is not fair’ – Educationist raises alarm over alleged bias against private schools

Education
Bishop Isaac Baisel

​An educationist, Bishop Isaac Baisel, has urged the government to address allegations of stricter marking schemes and unfair Senior High School placement policies targeting private schools, warning that such disparities threaten the sector's survival.

​Speaking at the opening of Ikecondy British School at Atimatum Chairman in the Afigya Kwabre South District of the Ashanti Region, Bishop Baisel highlighted growing concerns that private school candidates face deliberate systemic disadvantages under the Free Senior High School policy framework.

​According to the educationist, rumours of tougher grading criteria and placement biases in favour of public school graduates have created widespread panic, forcing many parents to transfer their children from private Junior High Schools (JHS) to public institutions ahead of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

​"If what is being alleged is true, it is not fair to private schools," Bishop Baisel stated, highlighting, "Whether a child goes to a private school or a government school, it is all Ghana. The government must make changes to suit all schools and focus on the overall development of the children."

​In addition to policy reforms, Bishop Baisel advised private school administrators to adapt to current national educational trends by updating their teaching methods to emphasise critical thinking and modern examination techniques. 

He noted that despite academic potential, many students struggle simply because their schools have not aligned with the new standards.

​For her part, Comfort Owusu, Proprietress of Ikecondy British School, called on the government to support private schools by granting them tax-free status, enabling them to operate smoothly and sustainably.

Source: classfmonline.com/Elisha Adarkwah