CSSPS 2026

Selection guidelines

A clear summary of the rules every candidate must follow when filling the CSSPS school selection form.

1
Eight schools in total
Six main choices ranked in order of preference, plus two alternative choices from Appendix 3.
2
Category A — maximum two
At most two schools from Category A may be chosen. The first choice should be your most preferred Category A school.
3
Category B — maximum two
No more than two schools from Category B may appear in your six main choices.
4
Category C — up to six
You may select all six main schools from Category C (three boarding and three day).
5
Three boarding, three day
Exactly three of your six main choices must be boarding, and exactly three must be day.
6
One boarding & one day per category
Across A, B and C you must include at least one boarding and one day option.
7
Alternative schools only on miss
Alternatives are used only if you are not placed in any of your six main choices.
8
No duplicates
A school may not appear more than once across your eight selections.
9
Locked after submission
A school selected and submitted cannot be changed.

The form must be validated by your Headteacher before submission.
Parents or guardians must consent and sign the form.
Candidates pursuing TVET programmes must select only TVET institutes from Categories A, B and C.
Candidates aiming for STEM careers are encouraged to choose Science programmes across all six main choices.

Visit the School Explorer to browse every school by category, region and programme.