DepEd: Private Senior High Schools must secure govt recognition by SY 2027-2028

Education Secretary Sonny Angara has issued new guidelines requiring all private institutions offering Senior High School (SHS) to transition from provisional permits to formal Government Recognition by School Year 2027–2028, in a move aimed at strengthening quality assurance and accountability in the education sector.

Under DepEd Order No. 12, s. 2026, private SHSs operating under provisional permits must secure Government Recognition, which grants permanent legal authority to operate and certifies compliance with Department of Education (DepEd) standards.

Angara said the policy addresses long-standing regulatory gaps in private SHS operations more than a decade after the implementation of the K to 12 program.

“Malinaw ang bilin ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos: dapat siguraduhin nating dekalidad at maaasahan ang edukasyon ng bawat mag-aaral, saan man sila nag-aaral (President Bongbong Marcos’ directive is clear: we must ensure quality and reliable education for every learner, wherever they study),” Angara said.

“Sa pamamagitan ng Government Recognition, mas malinaw ang pamantayan, mas accountable ang institutions, at mas protektado ang learners (Through Government Recognition, standards become clearer, institutions are held more accountable, and learners are more protected),” he added.

DepEd said private basic education institutions offering SHS account for 38% of all SHS schools nationwide and currently serve around 1.46 million Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners as of School Year 2024–2025.

However, the department noted many schools have continued operating under provisional permits due to the absence of a clear and updated process for obtaining formal Government Recognition for SHS programs.

Under the new guidelines, schools seeking recognition will undergo standardized application, validation, evaluation, and monitoring procedures covering curriculum, school leadership, faculty qualifications, learner support systems, facilities, planning, and financial capacity.

DepEd said a one-year transition period during School Year 2026–2027 will allow schools to comply with the new requirements without disrupting learner access.

During the transition period, certain institutions — including Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP)-accredited schools, Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC)-certified SHSs, and Strengthened SHS Pilot Schools — may qualify for automatic recognition subject to safeguards and evaluation.

Beginning School Year 2027–2028, only private SHSs with Government Recognition will be allowed to admit Grade 11 students under the SHS Voucher Program.

The policy also establishes sanctions and monitoring mechanisms while providing learner protection measures, including voucher portability and orderly transfer arrangements in cases where recognition is denied, suspended, or revoked.

The Education Dept. said the reform is anchored on Republic Act No. 10533, or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, and forms part of the Quality Basic Education Development Plan 2025–2035.

Implementation of the policy will be handled by DepEd’s Private Education Office in coordination with regional and division offices. —RF, GMA News