Kumasi High Advances to One-Eighth Stage as North East Region Bows Out of NSMQ 2026

Kumasi High School has secured progression to the One-Eighth Stage of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz, finishing decisively ahead of two other contenders in a preliminary round contest held at the SMS Auditorium. The victory comes with bittersweet outcomes for the region's academic competition landscape, as the North East Region now exits the national stage without any school advancing to the next round.

Kumasi High dominated the three-school contest from the outset, accumulating 45 points across five rounds of competition. The school's measured approach—beginning with 14 points in Round One, building to 20 by Round Two, and reaching 29 after Round Three—set a strong foundation. A particularly strong performance in Round Four lifted the school to 42 points before securing three additional points in the final round to cement its top position.

A Painful Exit for North East Region

For Nalerigu Senior High School, the outcome represents a disappointing end to what had been an eagerly anticipated return to national competition. After three years without representation, Nalerigu had qualified from the North East Region to earn its place at this preliminary stage. However, scoring 34 points proved insufficient to advance, ending both the school's campaign and, crucially, the region's involvement in the 2026 competition entirely. The elimination is particularly significant as it leaves the North East Region without a school competing for one of the 49 available places in the One-Eighth Stage.

Jachie Pramso SHS rounded out the preliminary contest with 30 points, finishing fourth overall and failing to secure advancement. Like Nalerigu, the school will have to wait another year for another opportunity in the competition.

Kumasi High's Track Record and Next Challenge

Kumasi High School brings a track record of recent success to its advancement. The school claimed the 2024 Ashanti Regional Championship title, defeating Opoku Ware School in the process. Last year, the school progressed to the One-Eighth Stage in 2025, though its run was halted by Swedru Secondary School at that stage. This year's progression offers the school another chance to build on its performance and potentially extend its run deeper into the competition.

The National Science and Maths Quiz remains one of Ghana's most prestigious academic competitions, showcasing intellectual talent across the country. The competition is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service, with additional support from corporate partners including Goil Plc, Prudential Life Insurance, Pepsodent, Trustur AI and Jupay Money Transfer.

With the preliminary rounds now complete, attention turns to which schools will join Kumasi High in the One-Eighth Stage, as other regional and preliminary contests continue to determine the final complement of competing schools.