- The Ministry of Education has unveiled the official timetable guiding the selection and placement of 2026 Grade 9 learners into senior schools for 2027.
- The exercise includes capacity declaration, nationwide virtual sensitisation and learner selection of pathways, subject combinations and schools.
- Education officers and heads of institutions have been directed to strictly adhere to the timelines to ensure a smooth national rollout.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has released the official timelines for the rollout of the 2026 Grade 9 learner selection process, setting in motion a nationwide exercise that will culminate in the placement of learners into senior schools in 2027.
In a circular dated July 28, 2026, Principal Secretary for Basic Education John L. Ololtuaa directed Regional Directors of Education, County Directors of Education and Sub-county Directors of Education to ensure the process is implemented within the stipulated timelines.
The circular states that the selection and placement exercise is intended to ensure that all Grade 9 learners choose their preferred pathways, subject combinations and senior schools before joining Grade 10 next year.
“As you are aware, the Ministry of Education is rolling out the process of selection and placement of grade 9 learners for the year 2026,” the circular states.
“This process ensures that all grade 9 learners select Pathways, Subject Combinations and Schools and are effectively placed in senior schools in 2027.”
The Ministry says strict adherence to the implementation schedule will be critical to guarantee a smooth and orderly transition.
“To ensure a smooth process, the Ministry will implement this important exercise following strict timelines as indicated below.”
Sensitisation and system preparation
The exercise begins on August 3, 2026, with a one-day virtual sensitisation for Sub-county Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (SCQASOs) and Sub-county Directors of Education (SCDEs).
This will be followed by the declaration of Grade 10 capacities by SCQASOs in the system from August 4 to August 6, a three-day exercise intended to establish the available spaces in senior schools.
At the same time, the Ministry has scheduled a two-day virtual sensitisation of senior school heads of institutions on August 4 and August 5 to prepare school leaders for the selection process.
Another key activity will involve updating pathway and subject combination choices by senior school heads in the system between August 6 and August 8, ensuring schools accurately capture the programmes they will offer learners.
The Ministry has also scheduled a one-day virtual sensitisation for Regional Directors of Education (RDEs), Virtual Quality Assurance Officers (VQASOs) and County Directors of Education (CDEs) on August 6.
A further four-day virtual sensitisation for Junior School Heads of Institutions will run from August 7 to August 11.
Learners to make pathway and school choices
The final and longest phase of the exercise will see Grade 9 learners select their pathways, subject combinations and preferred senior schools through the system.
According to the Ministry, this exercise will run for three weeks, beginning August 24 and ending September 11, 2026.
The circular further clarifies that all sensitisation meetings will be conducted virtually.
“The sensitization meetings will be virtual and will take place from Monday 3rd August, 2026 to 11th August, 2026.”
The Principal Secretary has instructed education officers across the country to ensure full participation throughout the exercise.
“You are therefore asked to ensure all the officers and Heads of Institutions are informed and attend the meetings without fail.”
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The timelines are expected to guide schools, education administrators and learners through one of the most significant stages of implementing the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, as the pioneer cohort prepares to transition into senior school in 2027.
By Joseph Mambili
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