Anum Presby edges St. Charles in thrilling NSMQ 2026 preliminary battle to claim one-eighth spot

Anum Presby SHS has advanced to the One-Eighth Stage of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz after a gripping preliminary round contest that saw the school hold its nerve against two determined challengers at the Main Auditorium.

The three-school showdown saw Anum Presby SHS emerge victorious with 35 points, denying St. Charles Minor Seminary a spot in the next round by just five points. Manya Krobo SHS bowed out in third place with 18 points, ending their campaign in the prestigious national competition.

A see-saw battle decided in the final rounds

The contest proved to be a closely contested affair from start to finish, with the lead changing hands multiple times throughout the four rounds of competition. After Round One, Anum Presby SHS and Manya Krobo SHS were locked together on 15 points, while St. Charles Minor Seminary trailed on 11 points.

Anum Presby SHS pulled ahead in Round Two, the Speed Race segment, establishing a 19-point tally. St. Charles Minor Seminary proved their mettle by closing the gap to 16 points, whilst Manya Krobo SHS accumulated 13 points.

The momentum shifted dramatically in Round Three when St. Charles Minor Seminary surged to the top with 23 points, edging out Anum Presby SHS by a single point. Manya Krobo SHS remained in third with 14 points, though effectively removed from contention.

However, Anum Presby SHS recovered decisively in Round Four, reclaiming the lead with 29 points as St. Charles Minor Seminary stayed within touching distance on 27 points. The Anum team maintained their composure through the final stretch, ultimately finishing with 35 points to secure the coveted advancement ticket.

Why it matters for Ghana

The NSMQ remains one of Ghana's most celebrated academic competitions, serving as a platform that showcases scientific and mathematical excellence among the nation's secondary school students. The quiz has long been instrumental in identifying and nurturing talented young minds who contribute significantly to Ghana's scientific and technological development.

Each year, the competition garners substantial viewership and national attention, reflecting Ghanaians' deep investment in educational excellence. The event not only tests students' knowledge but also builds confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that benefit schools and the broader educational landscape.

For the three schools involved, the outcome carries significant institutional pride and prestige. Anum Presby SHS's advancement demonstrates the school's competitive standing in national academics, whilst the narrow loss for St. Charles Minor Seminary by just five points underscores the calibre of schools competing at this level. Such competitions also inspire younger students within these institutions to pursue excellence in science and mathematics.

The road ahead

With the one-eighth stage beckoning, Anum Presby SHS will now face increasingly challenging opponents as the tournament progresses. The NSMQ structure typically sees schools competing in knockout rounds, where the intensity and difficulty of questions escalate significantly.

The 2026 edition of the quiz continues to enjoy robust sponsorship and media support, underscoring its importance to Ghana's educational ecosystem. The competition is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service, with the broadcast on JoyNews complementing the national reach of the event.