St. Francis Xavier advances to NSMQ One-Eighth after dominant win over Pentecost SHS

St. Francis Xavier Junior Seminary SHS has booked a place in the One-Eighth Stage of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) after a convincing preliminary round victory over first-time competitors Pentecost SHS from Koforidua. The former finalists dominated the contest, ultimately finishing 31 points clear of their opponents in a match that saw the gap widen progressively through each round.

The contest began competitively, with Pentecost SHS only four points adrift after the opening round as St. Francis Xavier established an 18-14 lead. However, the debutants struggled to maintain momentum as the quiz progressed. By the end of Round Two, St. Francis Xavier had extended their advantage to 14 points, moving to 28 while Pentecost remained on 14. A third team, Nana Bretu, had failed to register any points by this stage, effectively leaving the contest between the top two schools.

Momentum shifted decisively in rounds three and four

Pentecost SHS managed to claw back some ground in Round Three, scoring seven points to bring their total to 21, but St. Francis Xavier's nine-point haul in the same round pushed them to 37 points—establishing a commanding 16-point cushion heading into the penultimate round. Nana Bretu finally got on the scoreboard with two points, but their contribution proved insufficient to influence the overall outcome.

The fourth round proved decisive. St. Francis Xavier opened up the contest substantially, reaching 47 points whilst Pentecost SHS managed 25 and Nana Bretu nine. With a 22-point lead entering the final round, the result was essentially decided. The closing round saw minimal movement, with St. Francis Xavier finishing on 56 points, Pentecost SHS on 25, and Nana Bretu on 13. The 31-point winning margin underscored St. Francis Xavier's technical superiority and consistency throughout the preliminary stage.

Why it matters for Ghana

The NSMQ remains one of Ghana's most prestigious academic competitions, attracting national attention and showcasing the calibre of science and mathematics education across secondary schools. For St. Francis Xavier, the advancement represents a strong campaign that could position them competitively in the latter stages. For Pentecost SHS, whilst this marks the end of their inaugural NSMQ journey, the experience provides valuable exposure and could inform their preparation for future competitions.

The 2026 edition, produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service, continues to enjoy significant corporate backing from entities including Goil Plc, Prudential Life Insurance and other partners. The competition's broadcast on JoyNews, supported by sponsors VitaMilk and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, ensures the contests reach a wide Ghanaian audience and maintain the quiz's prominence in the national education landscape.