PRESEC, AUGUSCO and Accra Academy Set for 2026 NSMQ Grand Finale
The stage is set for the 2026 National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ) Grand Finale, with Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon), St. Augustine’s College (AUGUSCO) and Accra Academy set to battle for the national championship.
The three schools will meet today, Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the UG Premier Domes of the University of Ghana in Accra, where one will emerge as the 2026 NSMQ champion. The date and venue were announced by the official NSMQ organisers following the conclusion of the semi-final stage.
The final brings together three schools with contrasting histories in the competition: eight-time champions PRESEC-Legon, two-time champions St. Augustine’s College and first-time finalists Accra Academy.
PRESEC seeks ninth title
PRESEC-Legon enters the final with the strongest record of the three schools.
The Accra-based school has won the NSMQ eight times, with its previous titles coming in 1995, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Its 2026 qualification also marks a return to the grand finale after a two-year absence. PRESEC secured its place by defeating Tamale Senior High School and St. John’s School in the semi-final stage on September 3.
The school will therefore be seeking to extend its record to nine NSMQ titles.
AUGUSCO eyes third crown
St. Augustine’s College, popularly known as AUGUSCO, will be making another appearance in the championship decider.
The Cape Coast-based school is a two-time NSMQ champion, having won the competition in 2007 and 2019.
AUGUSCO booked its place in the 2026 final after overcoming Prempeh College and Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary in the opening semi-final contest. The victory secured the school a place in the final for the third consecutive year.
The school will be hoping to convert its recent consistency into a third national title.
Accra Academy makes history
For Accra Academy, the 2026 final represents a historic milestone.
The school secured its first-ever NSMQ grand-final appearance after defeating Bright Senior High School and Achimota School in the final semi-final contest on September 3.
Accra Academy finished the contest with 54 points, ahead of Bright SHS on 44 points and Achimota School on 43 points.
The result means Accra Academy has gone from being a semi-final contender to a national finalist for the first time, setting up an opportunity to claim its maiden NSMQ title.
A final between experience and history
The 2026 final presents a notable contrast.
PRESEC brings the experience of a record eight championships, AUGUSCO arrives as a two-time champion and three-time consecutive finalist, while Accra Academy enters the decisive contest as a first-time finalist.
The three schools earned their places through separate semi-final contests held at the University of Cape Coast on September 3.
The 2026 competition began with 174 schools competing for the national title. The official NSMQ organisers scheduled the preliminary stage for August 20–24, the one-eighth stage for August 26–28, the quarter-finals for August 30–September 1 and the semi-finals for September 3 before the final three advanced to today's grand finale.
One trophy, three contenders
With the final now upon them, all three schools have an opportunity to write another chapter in the history of Ghana's most prominent secondary-school academic competition.
PRESEC is pursuing a record-extending ninth championship. AUGUSCO is seeking to add a third trophy to its two previous victories, while Accra Academy is attempting to complete its historic first appearance with a maiden national title.
The 2026 NSMQ Grand Finale will determine which of the three schools can maintain its composure across the competition's decisive rounds and finish the season as Ghana's national Science & Maths Quiz champion.
Venue: UG Premier Domes, University of Ghana, Accra Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026