WAEC Dismisses Rumors About Stanine Grading System for 2025 BECE

Accra: The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has refuted rumors that it has newly introduced the Stanine Grading System for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates. Mr. John K. Kapi, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, clarified in a press briefing that the grading system has been in place since the BECE's inception in 1990.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Kapi stated that the Stanine Grading System was implemented as part of educational reforms and has been the most effective method for both certification and student selection. The system ranks and compares students' performance within the target population, dispelling circulating rumors on social media that it was newly introduced this year.Mr. Kapi emphasized that the decision on the grading system is not solely made by WAEC. The Council consults with the Ghana Education Service (GES) on all policy decisions related to the BECE. He affirmed that the results for BECE Private Candidates would be released by the end of September 5, 2025.Regarding the withheld results for some schools, Mr. Kapi mentioned that investigations have concluded, and relevant committees will soon determine the final outcomes. The provisional results for BECE School candidates were released on August 23, 2025, following examinations held from June 11 to 18.A total of 603,328 candidates, including 297,250 males and 306,078 females from 20,395 schools, participated in the school examination. Additionally, 1,661 candidates, comprising 858 males and 803 females, registered for the BECE as private candidates. WAEC noted a 5.99 percent increase in school candidates and a 19.49 percent rise in private candidates.