Holy Child School and Nsutaman Catholic SHS Secure One-Eighth Spots in Dramatic 2026 NSMQ Preliminaries

The preliminary stages of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) have delivered a series of high-stakes encounters, marked by resilient comebacks and dominant returns from some of the nation's most respected institutions. In two standout contests, Nsutaman Catholic SHS and Holy Child School showcased their academic prowess to secure coveted spots in the One-Eighth stage of the competition. While Nsutaman relied on a late-stage surge to overcome a strong start by their opponents, Holy Child School made a resounding statement by triumphing in their first national championship appearance after a two-year absence from the competition.

In a particularly gripping contest, Nsutaman Catholic SHS snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Serwaa Nyarko Girls’ SHS and Hope College. Serwaa Nyarko Girls had established an early lead and appeared poised to advance, but Nsutaman rallied in the final rounds to finish with 50 points. Serwaa Nyarko Girls ultimately fell short with 41 points, followed by Hope College with 37 points. Despite the win, the Nsutaman contestants were candid about their performance, acknowledging that it was their "worst performance yet" and vowing to elevate their game for the tougher challenges ahead in the One-Eighth stage.

Meanwhile, Holy Child School marked their return to the national stage with an impressive 67-point finish, defeating Anlo SHS and Nkawkaw SHS. The competition was fierce, especially during the "Problem of the Day" segment, where both Holy Child and Anlo SHS achieved perfect scores, earning individual accolades for their precision. However, Holy Child’s consistency throughout the Speed Race and the final round secured their progression, leaving Anlo SHS and Nkawkaw SHS with 52 and 35 points, respectively. This victory signals a strong comeback for the Cape Coast-based school as they seek to reclaim their status among the competition’s elite.

The 2026 NSMQ, produced by Primetime Limited, continues to be a cornerstone of academic excellence in Ghana, supported by the Ghana Education Service and sponsors like Goil PLC. As the preliminary rounds conclude, the focus shifts to the One-Eighth stage, where the intensity is expected to rise significantly. The qualified schools, including Nsutaman and Holy Child, now face the task of refining their strategies as they prepare to meet seeded schools in the quest for the prestigious national trophy.