THE DEPARTMENT of Education has issued new guidelines aimed at addressing long-standing regulatory gaps in private Senior High School (SHS) programs nationwide.

Under DepEd Order No. 12, s. 2026, all private institutions offering SHS are now required to transition from provisional permits to full Government Recognition by School Year 2027–2028. The move is expected to strengthen quality assurance, institutional accountability, and learner protection across the private education sector.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the policy forms part of DepEd’s continuing efforts to ensure clearer and more consistent quality standards in basic education.

“Malinaw ang bilin ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos: dapat siguraduhin nating dekalidad at maaasahan ang edukasyon ng bawat mag-aaral, saan man sila nag-aaral,” Angara said.

“Sa pamamagitan ng Government Recognition, mas malinaw ang pamantayan, mas accountable ang institutions, at mas protektado ang learners.”

As of School Year 2024–2025, private basic education institutions offering SHS comprise 38 percent of all SHS schools nationwide and serve around 1.46 million Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners.

Despite their significant role in the education system, many private SHS providers have continued operating under provisional permits for more than a decade due to the absence of a clear and updated framework for securing Government Recognition.

Under the new policy, all private SHSs with valid permits must obtain Government Recognition — a status that grants permanent legal authority to operate and confirms compliance with DepEd standards and requirements.