How the BECE Is Graded: What Aggregate Does Your Child Really Need?

Understanding the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) grading system is crucial for every candidate and parent in Ghana.

1. The 30/70 Continuous Assessment Split

Your child’s final score isn't determined solely during exam week.

• School Assessment (SBA): Accounts for 30% of the total mark (class tests, projects, termly exams).

• WAEC Main Examination: Accounts for 70% of the final grade.

2. The Stanine Grading System (Grades 1–9)

WAEC grades subjects on a 1 to 9 scale, where Grade 1 is the highest and Grade 9 is the lowest. WAEC uses the Stanine System (Standard Nine), which grades candidates relative to national performance:

Grade	Stanine Category	National Percentile Band
1	Highest	Top 4% of candidates
2	Higher	Next 7% of candidates
3	High	Next 12% of candidates
4	High Average	Next 17% of candidates
5	Average	Next 20% of candidates
6	Low Average	Next 17% of candidates
7	Low	Next 12% of candidates
8	Lower	Next 7% of candidates
9	Lowest	Bottom 4% of candidates

Because it’s curved, even if a student scores 88% raw marks, they could get a Grade 2 if 4% of candidates score higher.

3. How Aggregate Scores Are Calculated

Your child’s Aggregate is the sum of their best 6 subjects:

• 4 Mandatory Core Subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies.

• 2 Best Electives/Optionals: Selected from Career Technology, Creative Arts & Design, Computing, RME, Ghanaian Language, or French.

  
  

Target Aggregates for High School Placement:

• Aggregate 6–9: Guarantees placement into Tier-1 Category A Senior High Schools (e.g., Presec Legon, Wesley Girls, Prempeh College).

• Aggregate 10–18: Strong placement chances in Category B schools and select programs.

• Aggregate 19–30: Eligible for Senior High School placement under the Free SHS policy.