BECE Grade Boundaries
Each score you achieve in an exam is converted to a grade from 1 to 9 using these boundaries.
| Grade | Score Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 90–100% | Excellent |
| 2 | 80–89% | Very Good |
| 3 | 75–79% | Good |
| 4 | 65–74% | Credit |
| 5 | 55–64% | Credit |
| 6 | 50–54% | Credit |
| 7 | 40–49% | Pass |
| 8 | 30–39% | Weak Pass |
| 9 | 0–29% | Fail |
Note: These percentage bands are indicative. Unlike the SHS-level WASSCE, the BECE grade for each subject is set using a norm-referenced (stanine) system — your grade depends partly on how everyone nationwide performs that year, so the exact score needed for each grade can shift slightly from year to year.
How Your Aggregate is Calculated
Your aggregate score determines which Senior High School you qualify for. Here is how it works, step by step.
Mathematics Grade 1 = 1 point
Integrated Science Grade 3 = 3 points
Social Studies Grade 4 = 4 points
French Grade 2 = 2 points
ICT Grade 5 = 5 points
Aggregate Ranges & SHS Placement
Use this as a rough guide. The exact cut-offs vary by year and school, so always check the CSSPS portal for current requirements.
Which Subjects Count?
Not all subjects carry equal weight in the placement process.
Your aggregate always includes your 4 core subjects plus your best 2 electives. For science programmes at SHS, the core subjects — especially Mathematics and Integrated Science — carry additional weight in shortlisting.
Tips to Improve Your Aggregate
Small improvements in your weakest subjects make the biggest difference.