St. John's School dominates NSMQ 2026 One-Eighth Stage to advance to quarter-finals

St. John's School has advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) following a commanding performance at the One-Eighth Stage contest. The Western region powerhouse defeated Benkum SHS and Nandom SHS with a decisive score of 55 points, leaving its competitors trailing significantly behind.

The Western region school's victory was built on a strong start and consistent execution throughout the competition. St. John's School opened with 19 points in Round One while Benkum SHS managed 13 and Nandom SHS 11. This early advantage set the trajectory for the entire contest.

Dominant performance across all rounds

St. John's School maintained its momentum through each successive round. By Round Two, the school had extended its lead to 35 points, with Benkum SHS on 12 and Nandom SHS on 10. The Problem of the Day section provided slightly less separation, with St. John's School and Nandom SHS both scoring 4 out of 10, whilst Benkum SHS recorded 3 out of 10.

The gap widened considerably in Rounds Three and Four. St. John's School pushed to 39 points in Round Three before surging to 52 in Round Four. By the final round, the school's unassailable lead saw it finish with 55 points.

Nandom SHS finished in second place with 30 points, whilst Benkum SHS ended the contest on 19 points. Both schools are now eliminated from the 2026 competition.

Why it matters for Ghana

The NSMQ remains one of Ghana's most significant academic competitions, showcasing the nation's commitment to excellence in science and mathematics education. The quiz attracts top secondary schools across all regions and has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing viewership from across the country and diaspora communities. Success in the NSMQ often serves as a springboard for students' academic careers and has produced several notable scholars and professionals.

St. John's School's progression to the quarter-finals continues the strong tradition of academic excellence in the Western region. The school's consistent performance demonstrates the quality of teaching and student preparation in the region's educational institutions.

The 2026 NSMQ structure

The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service. The competition features multiple rounds of competition, with schools progressing through One-Eighth Stage contests before advancing to the quarter-finals and beyond. The quiz continues to receive support from various corporate sponsors including Goil Plc, Prudential Life Insurance, Pepsodent, and numerous other organisations committed to promoting academic excellence in Ghana.