NSMQ 2026: List of schools that qualify for semi-finals
NSMQ 2026 enters the semi-finals with nine schools competing in three contests at UCC on September 3 for places in the grand finale.
By Edem Kwame
Published Updated 3 min read
The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has entered its semi-final stage, with nine schools remaining in contention for the coveted championship title.
The qualifiers secured their places after navigating the quarter-final stage and will now compete across three semi-final contests on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Main Auditorium of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
The three contests will determine which schools advance to the 2026 NSMQ grand finale, scheduled for September 10.
Nine schools qualify for NSMQ 2026 semi-finals.
1. Prempeh College
Prempeh College was the first school to book its place in the semi-finals after winning the opening quarter-final contest.
The Kumasi-based school recorded 44 points, finishing ahead of Keta Senior High Technical School, which scored 39 points, and Ghana National College, which ended with 30 points.
Also readPatience Akyianu, former Barclays Bank Ghana MD and Hollard CEO, reportedly dies
2. Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary
Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary (POJOBA) also progressed after emerging victorious in its quarter-final contest against Ofori Panin SHS and Osei Tutu SHS.
POJOBA finished with 47 points, while Ofori Panin SHS scored 31 and Osei Tutu SHS recorded 22 points.
3. St Augustine’s College
Two-time NSMQ champions St Augustine’s College (AUGUSCO) secured their semi-final place after defeating St John’s Grammar School and Aburi Girls’ SHS.
The Cape Coast-based school will meet Prempeh College and POJOBA in the opening semi-final contest.
4. Tamale Senior High School
Tamale Senior High School advanced to the semi-finals after winning its quarter-final contest.
The Northern Region school will compete in the second semi-final alongside St John’s School and eight-time champions Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon).
Also readL.I. 2519: Full list of road traffic offences and jail terms in Ghana
5. St John’s School
St John’s School reached the NSMQ semi-finals for the first time in the school’s history after overcoming Saviour SHS and Mfantsiman Girls’ SHS at the quarter-final stage.
The school will face Tamale SHS and PRESEC-Legon in the second semi-final contest.
6. PRESEC-Legon
Eight-time champions Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon) remain in the hunt for another NSMQ title after defeating defending champions Mfantsipim School and Presby SHS, Bompata.
PRESEC produced a strong performance to finish the contest with 56 points, ending Mfantsipim’s title defence.
7. Bright Senior High School
Bright Senior High School has emerged as one of the standout stories of the 2026 competition.
The school defeated Amaniampong SHS and Chemu SHTS in the final quarter-final contest to become the first private school to reach the 2026 NSMQ semi-finals.
8. Achimota School
Achimota School booked its semi-final ticket after defeating Adisadel College and Boa Amponsem SHS in the quarter-finals.
The school will compete against Bright SHS and Accra Academy in the third semi-final contest.
9. Accra Academy
Accra Academy completed the nine-school semi-final line-up after progressing from its quarter-final contest.
The school will face Bright SHS and Achimota School as they battle for places in the grand finale.
NSMQ 2026 semi-final fixtures
The nine qualifiers have been divided into three contests:
Contest | Schools |
|---|
Semi-final 1 | Prempeh College, Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary, St Augustine’s College |
Semi-final 2 | Tamale SHS, St John’s School, PRESEC-Legon |
Semi-final 3 | Bright SHS, Achimota School, Accra Academy |
Edem Kwame
Chief Editor
Edem Kwame is a staff journalist at GH News Media, where he covers news, sports, politics and current affairs with a sharp focus on Ghanaian and African football.
More from Edem Kwame
