NewzThe stage is set for the grand finale of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), with record holders Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon), two-time champions St Augustine’s College and first-time finalists Accra Academy emerging as the last three schools standing. After weeks of intense competition, dramatic upsets and fierce intellectual battles, the three schools will now converge for one final showdown to determine who will be crowned champions of the 2026 edition. The finalists earned their places after surviving three fiercely contested semi-final battles, each overcoming formidable opponents on the road to the ultimate stage.
AUGUSCO survives battle of champions St Augustine’s College was the first school to secure a place in the grand finale after overcoming a star-studded contest featuring five-time champions Prempeh College and 2001 winners Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary. The two-time champions held their nerve against the experienced pair to book their place in the final, setting up another opportunity to add to the titles they won in 2007 and 2019. For AUGUSCO, the qualification also marks a third consecutive appearance at the NSMQ grand finale, having reached the final in 2024, 2025 and now 2026.
PRESEC storms into another final Eight-time champions PRESEC-Legon followed with another commanding performance to book their place in the grand finale. The record holders came up against St John’s School and Tamale Senior High School in the second semi-final, with all three schools fighting for the sole ticket to the championship decider. But it was the ‘Ɔdadeɛ’ boys who eventually emerged victorious, eliminating their challengers and keeping alive their dream of extending their record with an unprecedented ninth NSMQ trophy.
The qualification adds another chapter to PRESEC-Legon’s remarkable history in the competition and gives the eight-time champions another opportunity to return to the summit. Accra Academy makes history The final ticket was claimed by Accra Academy, whose qualification ensured a historic maiden appearance at the NSMQ grand finale. The ‘Blɛoo’ boys faced two-time champions Achimota School and Bright Senior High School, which had made history as the first private school to reach the semi-finals of the National Science and Maths Quiz.
It was a contest filled with contrasting ambitions. Accra Academy has qualified for the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) Grand Finale for the first time in the school’s history. The Accra-based school secured the historic qualification after winning a fiercely contested semi-final on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
The “Bleoo” boys finished with 54 points, ahead of Bright Senior High School’s 44 points and Achimota School’s 43 points. The result marks a significant milestone for Accra Academy, which has participated in the country’s premier academic competition for years but had never previously progressed to the Grand Finale. The semi-final contest remained closely fought as the three schools demonstrated strong knowledge and quick thinking across the various rounds.
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