PRESEC, AUGUSCO and Accra Academy set for historic NSMQ 2026 showdown on September 10

Ghana's most prestigious academic competition is heading towards a thrilling climax as Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon), St Augustine's College and Accra Academy have emerged as the final three schools competing for the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) crown. The grand finale, scheduled for September 10, promises an electrifying contest between three institutions with vastly different championship pedigrees and ambitions.

The finalists: Different paths to glory

PRESEC-Legon, the eight-time champions and record holders of the NSMQ, stormed into the final with another commanding semi-final performance. The 'Ɔdadeɛ' boys defeated St John's School and Tamale Senior High School to secure their place at the championship decider. For the Legon-based institution, qualification represents yet another chapter in their remarkable competition history and keeps alive their pursuit of an unprecedented ninth trophy.

St Augustine's College qualified first among the three finalists, navigating a star-studded semi-final contest against five-time champions Prempeh College and 2001 winners Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary. The two-time champions' qualification marks their third consecutive appearance at the NSMQ grand finale, having previously won titles in 2007 and 2019. Their presence in the final underscores their consistent excellence in the competition.

Accra Academy's qualification represents a historic milestone for the school. The 'Blɛoo' boys defeated two-time champions Achimota School and Bright Senior High School—which had made history as the first private school to reach the NSMQ semi-finals—to secure their maiden appearance at the championship decider. This represents a remarkable achievement for a school competing at the highest level of the competition for the first time.

Why this matters for Ghana

The NSMQ remains one of Ghana's most celebrated intellectual competitions, showcasing the calibre of science and mathematics education across secondary schools nationwide. The competition has historically served as a platform for identifying and celebrating academic excellence whilst inspiring younger students to pursue rigorous studies in STEM subjects. The 2026 finale represents the culmination of weeks of intense competition involving schools from across the country, reflecting the depth of talent in Ghana's secondary education system.

The three finalists embody different aspects of Ghana's educational landscape: PRESEC-Legon represents sustained dominance and tradition, St Augustine's College demonstrates consistent competitive excellence, and Accra Academy exemplifies the emergence of new powerhouses capable of challenging established giants. Their presence in the final offers compelling narratives that resonate with students, parents and educators across Ghana, whilst reinforcing the value of dedication to academic excellence in science and mathematics.

The stakes and storylines heading into the final

The September 10 finale will determine not only who claims the 2026 trophy but also which narrative will define this year's competition. For PRESEC-Legon, the contest is fundamentally about history and extending an already impressive legacy. The eight-time champions will be seeking an unprecedented ninth trophy to further solidify their position as the most successful institution in NSMQ history.

St Augustine's College enters the final seeking redemption and a third championship title. Their third consecutive appearance at this stage represents a rare achievement, and converting this opportunity into victory would cement their status as one of the competition's elite schools.

Accra Academy faces the most dramatic circumstances: a first-ever appearance at the grand finale with the opportunity to crown an extraordinary campaign with a historic maiden NSMQ championship. Such an achievement would represent a watershed moment for the institution and would captivate audiences across Ghana.

The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service with support from GOIL PLC, Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, Pepsodent, Cowbell, Trustur AI and Jupay Money Transfer, with broadcast coverage on JoyNews.