PRESEC claims ninth NSMQ crown in dominant display at 2026 finale

Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon) has reclaimed the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) title for the ninth time, cementing its status as one of Ghana's most formidable academic powerhouses. The school's triumphant return to the top of the podium at the 2026 NSMQ Grand Finale follows a two-year absence from the competition's final stage, marking a significant achievement for the institution and its supporters.

Competing against Accra Academy and St Augustine's College, PRESEC clinched victory with a commanding 40 points, substantially ahead of runners-up Accra Academy's 33 points and third-placed St Augustine's College's 27 points. The margin of victory underscores the depth of preparation and intellectual prowess demonstrated by the PRESEC team throughout the contest.

A historic moment for Ghanaian secondary education

The 2026 NSMQ Grand Finale itself proved memorable for Ghanaian secondary education, as Accra Academy made its historic inaugural appearance in the final stage of the competition. Despite being newcomers to the finale, Accra Academy's second-place finish represents a remarkable achievement and signals the emergence of fresh competition at the highest level of the quiz. St Augustine's College's spirited third-place performance further enriched what observers described as a thrilling and closely contested showdown.

The Ɔdadeɛ Global Executives, the alumni association of PRESEC, issued a formal congratulatory statement celebrating the victory. The group specifically recognised the contributions of the quiz team, coaching staff, teachers and the broader PRESEC community, acknowledging the hard work, discipline, resilience and determination required to win at this level. The alumni body also graciously commended both Accra Academy and St Augustine's College for their performances, highlighting the competitive spirit and academic excellence displayed across all three schools.

Why this matters for Ghana

The NSMQ remains one of Ghana's most prestigious secondary school competitions, serving as a platform for identifying and nurturing exceptional young talent in science and mathematics. PRESEC's ninth victory reinforces its legendary status in Ghanaian education, built over decades through consistent academic excellence and rigorous coaching programmes. The competition itself plays a crucial role in promoting STEM education and inspiring students nationwide to pursue excellence in mathematics and the sciences—fields vital to Ghana's development as an economy and knowledge-driven society.

The emergence of Accra Academy as a formidable competitor in the 2026 finale signals healthy competitive dynamics in Ghana's secondary school system. When multiple schools can compete at the highest level, the entire educational ecosystem benefits, as schools invest in science and mathematics programmes and talented students are motivated by the example of their peers.

PRESEC's return to dominance after a two-year absence demonstrates the school's capacity to rebuild and refocus, qualities that alumni and supporters view as emblematic of the institution's character. Looking forward, the school's achievement is expected to inspire its current cohort of students and set the tone for continued excellence in academic competition and intellectual development.