Promotion Exams Registration
Open to Nursery 1–2, KG 2, and Lower Primary (Basic 1–3) learners — register by 5 August 2026 for the exam on 8 August 2026
What are promotion exams?
Promotion exams give eligible Nursery 1–2, KG 2, and Lower Primary (Basic 1–3) learners a chance to move up one extra grade if they perform well (minimum 80% in each subject, followed by an oral assessment). They are also used by new applicants in these grades who want to be considered for a class above their age-eligible grade.
Normal promotion vs promotion exam
Without promotion exam
A learner finishing Basic 2 is normally promoted to Basic 3 for the new academic year.
With promotion exam (if passed)
The same learner finishing Basic 2 sits the exam for Basic 3. If they pass (including oral), they may be placed in Basic 4 instead of Basic 3, then monitored on academic probation in 2026/2027.
Eligible candidates
Open to
- Nursery 1
- Nursery 2
- KG 2
- Basic 1
- Basic 2
- Basic 3
Classes that cannot be skipped
- KG 2
- Basic 5
- Basic 6
- JHS 1
- JHS 2
Examination requirements
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Pass mark: minimum 80% in each subject to qualify for consideration.
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Oral assessment: only after a successful written exam. The oral forms part of the final decision.
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Probation: successful promotees are on academic probation for 2026/2027, with progress reviewed every term.
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Please note:
- Paying the promotion exam fee reserves a place to sit the exam — it does not guarantee a pass or a grade jump.
- Candidates need at least 80% in each subject; oral assessment follows a successful written exam.
- Successful promotees are on academic probation for 2026/2027.
- Final placement rests with the school.
- The promotion exam fee is non-refundable.
- New admission applicants: apply first, then register with your application number.
Two pathways
Current NLIS learners
- Pay the Promotion Exams fee and register
- Sit the promotion exam
- Pass → may jump one grade; otherwise normal promotion
New admissions (grade above age)
- Apply for admission first (age-eligible class)
- Pay the Promotion Exams fee and register with your application number
- Pass (written + oral) → Assessment Exam is not required; admission may be given for the jump grade
- Fail / absent → pay the Assessment Exam fee, sit the Assessment Exam, and admission follows a pass
After a failed new-admission Promotion Exams attempt
- Pay the Assessment Exam fee (same as the normal assessment fee for the age-eligible class).
- The admissions office then schedules the Assessment Exam.
- Available only when Promotion Exams are failed/absent and linked to an application.
- One payment per application per Promotion Exams session.
- Admission is given only after the learner passes the Assessment Exam.
Dates & fees
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Registration deadline: Wednesday, 5th August, 2026
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Date of examination: Saturday, 8th August, 2026
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Academic session: 2025/2026 — Term 3
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Promotion exam fee: GH₵200.00 per learner Hubtel (Mobile Money / card). Non-refundable.
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Assessment Exam fee (after Promotion Exams fail): same as the normal assessment fee by grade category Only after a linked new-admission Promotion Exams fail/absent — paid separately.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible?
- Learners currently in Nursery 1–2, KG 2, or Lower Primary (Basic 1–3).
- A learner currently in KG 2 may take Promotion Exams.
- KG 1 is not eligible because a pass would skip KG 2, and KG 2 cannot be skipped.
- Other classes that cannot be skipped: Basic 5, Basic 6, JHS 1 and JHS 2.
- Basic 4 may be skipped (e.g. Basic 3 → Basic 5 if passed).
Is this only for NLIS learners?
- No. Current NLIS learners and learners from other schools in the eligible grades may register.
- New applicants who want a class above their age-eligible grade must apply for admission first, then use their application number when registering.
I am a new applicant. Do I apply or register for Promotion Exams first?
- Apply first.
- Complete the NLIS admission application for the age-eligible class.
- Then pay for and register for the promotion exam with that application number.
What score is required to pass?
- Candidates must obtain a minimum of 80% in each subject to qualify for consideration.
Is there an oral assessment?
- Yes.
- Oral assessment is conducted only after a candidate has successfully passed the written promotion exam.
- The oral forms part of the final decision-making process.
What happens after a successful promotion?
- Learners who complete the promotion process are placed on academic probation for the 2026/2027 academic year.
- Progress is monitored and evaluated every term.
Do new admissions still need Assessment Exams?
- Yes — every new admission must normally sit Assessment Exams and pass before admission is given.
- Exception: if a new admission opts for Promotion Exams and passes the written exam plus oral assessment, they do not need to sit Assessment Exams and may be given admission for the jump grade (subject to school confirmation and spaces).
- If they fail or are absent from Promotion Exams, they must pay the Assessment Exam fee, sit the Assessment Exam for the age-eligible class, and admission follows a pass.
Does a passed promotion exam replace the Assessment Exam?
- For new admissions on the grade-jump pathway, yes — a passed promotion exam (including oral assessment) can replace the Assessment Exam for the jump grade.
- Final placement still depends on school policy and available spaces.
Does paying mean my child has passed?
- No. The promotion exam fee covers exam registration only.
- Your child must sit the examination, meet the 80% subject requirement, and complete the oral assessment before any grade jump can be considered.
What if my child does not pass?
- For NLIS learners, they follow the normal promotion path.
- For new admissions seeking a grade jump: if the promotion exam is failed or marked absent, pay the Assessment Exam fee (the same amount as the normal assessment fee for the age-eligible class).
- That unlocks scheduling of the Assessment Exam for the age-eligible class.
- Admission is given only after they pass the Assessment Exam.
- The promotion exam fee is non-refundable.
What is the Assessment Exam fee after Promotion Exams fail?
- It is the normal Assessment Exam fee for your child’s age-eligible grade category (same fees used in admissions).
- It is only payable when a linked promotion exam result is failed or absent, and only once per application per Promotion Exams session.
- After payment, the school schedules the Assessment Exam.
- Admission follows a pass.
What are the subjects being assessed?
- Preschool: Literacy, Numeracy, Phonics & Reading
- Primary: English, Math, Science & Reading
What should you bring for the assessment?
- Preschool: Pencil and Eraser.
- Lower Primary: Pencil and Eraser.
What materials are prohibited at the assessment?
- Smart watches
- Calculators
What will be available at the NLIS Snack Bar to purchase that day?
- Snacks, water, soft drinks.
How do I register?
- Pay the promotion exam registration fee online by Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
- Receive an access code by SMS (and email if provided).
- Enter the code on this website, then complete the registration form.
- New admission applicants must enter their application number on the form.
- The examination is on Saturday, 8 August 2026.
How to register
- 1 Confirm your child is in Nursery 1–2, KG 2, or Lower Primary (Basic 1–3)
- 2 New applicants: submit an NLIS admission application first (age-eligible class)
- 3 Pay the GH₵200.00 promotion exam registration fee online by 5 August 2026
- 4 Receive your access code by SMS and email, then complete the form
- 5 Sit the exam on 8 August 2026 (80% per subject; oral if written is passed)
Pay Promotion Exam Fee & Obtain Access Code (GH₵200.00)
Enter Access Code To Apply for Promotion Exam
New Applicant - Apply For Admission First