The stage is set for the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) grand finale, with record holders Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon), two-time champions St Augustine’s College (AUGUSCO), and first-time finalists Accra Academy set to battle for the coveted NSMQ trophy.
After weeks of intense competition, dramatic upsets and fiercely contested rounds, the three schools have emerged as the final contenders for the 2026 NSMQ championship.
The grand finale is scheduled for September 10, 2026, when PRESEC-Legon, St Augustine’s College and Accra Academy will face off in the ultimate test of science, mathematics, speed and intellectual precision.
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The three finalists secured their places after surviving three highly competitive semi-final contests involving some of the most experienced schools in the history of the National Science and Maths Quiz.
AUGUSCO survives battle of champions
St Augustine’s College was the first school to book its place in the 2026 NSMQ grand finale after winning a star-studded semi-final featuring five-time champions Prempeh College and 2001 winners Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary.
The two-time NSMQ champions kept their composure in a fiercely contested encounter to secure the only available ticket to the final.
The qualification gives AUGUSCO another opportunity to add to its NSMQ titles from 2007 and 2019.
It also marks the school’s third consecutive appearance in the NSMQ grand finale, following its qualification for the finals in 2024 and 2025.
St Augustine’s College will now be aiming to turn its impressive run into a third national championship when it returns to the final on September 10.
PRESEC-Legon storms into 2026 NSMQ final
Eight-time champions PRESEC-Legon secured the second final ticket with another impressive performance in the 2026 NSMQ semi-finals.
The record holders faced St John’s School and Tamale Senior High School in the second semi-final, with all three schools battling for a place in the championship decider.
PRESEC-Legon eventually emerged victorious, eliminating both challengers and keeping alive its quest for an unprecedented ninth NSMQ trophy.
The qualification further extends PRESEC-Legon’s remarkable record in the National Science and Maths Quiz, where the school remains the most successful team in the competition’s history.
The ‘Ɔdadeɛ’ boys will now enter the grand finale with history within reach as they seek to extend their record from eight titles to nine.
Accra Academy makes historic NSMQ final
Accra Academy completed the 2026 NSMQ grand finale lineup with a historic victory, securing the school’s maiden appearance in the championship decider.
The ‘Blɛoo’ boys faced former champions Achimota School and Bright Senior High School in the third semi-final.
The contest featured three schools with very different ambitions.
Achimota School was seeking a return to the NSMQ final, having previously won the competition, while Bright SHS was looking to continue its remarkable run after becoming the first private school to reach the NSMQ semi-finals.
Accra Academy, meanwhile, was chasing a historic first appearance in the grand finale.
The ‘Blɛoo’ boys ultimately prevailed to claim the final ticket and write a new chapter in the school’s history.
Their qualification means Accra Academy will compete in the NSMQ grand finale for the first time, allowing the school to win its maiden National Science and Maths Quiz title.
2026 NSMQ final: Three schools, one trophy
The 2026 NSMQ grand finale will bring together three schools with contrasting histories and ambitions.
For PRESEC-Legon, the final is an opportunity to make history by winning a record-extending ninth NSMQ championship.
For St Augustine’s College, the objective is to convert another appearance on the biggest stage into a third national title.
For Accra Academy, the stakes could not be higher. The school’s maiden appearance in the NSMQ grand finale gives the ‘Blɛoo’ boys a chance to cap a historic campaign with their first-ever championship.
The final therefore presents three compelling possibilities.
Will PRESEC-Legon extend its dominance and claim a record ninth NSMQ trophy?
Can AUGUSCO return to the summit and win its third championship?
Or will Accra Academy complete a stunning run by lifting the NSMQ trophy for the first time?
Three schools. Three different journeys. One trophy.
The battle for the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz crown is set for a blockbuster finale on September 10.
Who will win the 2026 NSMQ?
The final promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated NSMQ grand finales in recent years, bringing together the competition’s record holders, an established powerhouse and a historic first-time finalist.
With PRESEC-Legon chasing a ninth title, AUGUSCO targeting a third championship and Accra Academy seeking its maiden crown, the 2026 NSMQ final is expected to deliver another memorable chapter in the history of Ghana’s premier academic quiz competition.
The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service, with support from GOIL PLC, Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, Pepsodent, Cowbell, Trustur AI and Jupay Money Transfer.
The broadcast on JoyNews is sponsored by Vitamilk, Entrance University of Health Sciences, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and NASCO.
Broadcast partners are Frutelli, Excellence Publications and Stationery, Didi Shito, Nataraj, Virtual Security Africa, Lef Signature Limited, Sintex Tank, Door Master, New Crystal Hospital, Palm University College, Ayuda, Prospectus Ghana Ltd, Family Health University and Myst Water.
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