2024 National SHS Prospectus: Essential Items for SHS1 Students

Looking for the 2024 National SHS Prospectus for SHS1 students? Here’s what you need to know. The Ghana Education Service (GES) introduced the National SHS1 Prospectus in 2023 to streamline the items required for students entering senior high schools. The aim is to standardize what students need, whether in public day or boarding schools, and eliminate discrepancies across different schools. For 2024, no major changes are expected to this list.

What is the 2024 National SHS Prospectus?

In 2023, the GES released the first-ever unified National SHS Prospectus to make it easier for BECE graduates entering SHS. This prospectus, printed with the school placement documents from the CSSPS portal, lists the essential items students must bring when they report to their assigned schools. It was introduced under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Eric Nkansah, to address concerns about the wide-ranging items that different schools previously demanded.

The National SHS Prospectus includes both general items and specific items depending on whether the student is placed in a day or boarding school. Parents and guardians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the list to be well-prepared when school placements are announced.

General Items for All Students:

Valid NHIS Card

National ID Card (Ghana Card if available)

Two passport-size photographs

Photocopy of Birth Certificate/Baptismal Certificate (if required by the school)


SHS Prospectus for Boarding Students:

For students placed in boarding schools, here is a list of required items (some gender-specific):

Hard body suitcase or trunk

Chop box (wooden/plastic)

Drinking cup, plastic or stainless steel plate, and a set of cutlery

Toiletries: deodorant, toilet roll, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, pomade, sanitary pads (for girls)

Decent sandals and slippers (school-specified)

Sneakers (black or white)

2 pairs of socks (school-specified)

1 pair of pyjamas/sleepwear

Underwear (5 pants and 3 vests for girls, 3 boxer shorts/pants and 3 singlets for boys)

1 plastic bucket with cover and pail

RSV/NIV Bible, Quran, or Hymn Book (as specified by the school)

Pillow covered with Mackintosh

2 bedsheets and 2 pillowcases (plain white)

1 blanket & sleeping cloth

A pair of Khaki trousers

White trousers for boys, white dress for girls

2 white shirts

Mosquito net (student-sized)

1 school bag

1 mathematical set, scientific calculator, and standard graph book

1 cutlass

Specific cleaning materials (these will be divided among students)


SHS Prospectus for Day Students:

For day students, here are the essentials:

Mathematical set

Scientific calculator

Decent sandals (school-specified)

Decent sneakers (black or white)

1 school bag


Preparing for School Placement in 2024

While the 2024 school placements for BECE graduates are yet to be released, parents should start planning. It is important to note that buying all items before placement is risky, as you won’t know whether your child will be placed in a day or boarding school. The best approach is to start saving and preparing to purchase the items on the prospectus once the placement is confirmed.

Stay updated for any changes in the SHS prospectus and ensure your ward is ready for their new academic journey.