Updated NSMQ 2026 Top 30 Runners-Up ranking. See schools competing for wildcard qualification slots to the National Championship, led by Afua Kobi Ampem Girls’ SHS. This is likely to change daily until all regions fully participated in the qualifiers.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Reading Time | 7 minutes |
| Published | July 27, 2026 |
| Last Updated | July 27, 2026 |
| Hub | News |
| Cluster | NSMQ 2026 |
| Author | Ferdinand Ellis |
| Fact-Checked | Yes |
| Sources | Primetime Limited, NSMQ Official Updates |
In Brief
Thirty schools that narrowly missed qualification during the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) Regional Qualifiers remain in contention for possible entry into the National Championship through the Top Runners-Up selection process.
Afua Kobi Ampem Girls’ SHS currently leads the ranking with 50 points, followed by Jachie Pramso SHS with 45 points and Mankessim Senior High Technical School with 44 points.
The final list of schools selected through the wildcard route will depend on the qualification criteria announced by Primetime Limited.
Introduction
The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz Regional Qualifiers have produced the first batch of schools heading towards the National Championship, but the competition is not over for schools that lost their individual contests.
Through the Top Runners-Up qualification route, schools with the highest scores among non-winning teams still have an opportunity to progress.
Primetime Limited has released a ranking of the top 30 runners-up based on their contest performances. The ranking provides an indication of schools still in contention for the remaining qualification opportunities.
The list includes schools from different regions, with strong representation from Ashanti and Central regions.
➡️ Related: NSMQ 2026 Regional Qualifiers Results Tracker
→ NSMQ 2026 Qualified Schools List
NSMQ 2026 Top 30 Runners-Up Ranking
The following schools currently occupy the Top 30 runners-up positions:
| Rank | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Afua Kobi Ampem Girls’ SHS | 50 |
| 2 | Jachie Pramso SHS | 45 |
| 3 | Mankessim SHTS | 44 |
| 4 | Kumasi Girls’ SHS | 42 |
| 5 | Apam SHS | 39 |
| 6 | Jukwa SHTS | 39 |
| 7 | Esaase Bontefufuo SHTS | 37 |
| 8 | SDA SHS, Gomoa | 37 |
| 9 | Sakafia Islamic SHS | 35 |
| 10 | St. Jerome SHS | 35 |
| 11 | Oguaa SHTS | 33 |
| 12 | Adventist SHS, Bantama | 32 |
| 13 | Toase SHS | 31 |
| 14 | Ejisu SHTS | 29 |
| 15 | Dwamena Akenten SHS | 28 |
| 16 | Odoben SHS | 28 |
| 17 | Apagya SHS | 27 |
| 18 | Bosomtwe Girls’ STEM High | 27 |
| 19 | Assin North SHTS | 26 |
| 20 | Gyaama Pensan SHTS | 25 |
| 21 | Komenda SHTS | 23 |
| 22 | Mando SHTS | 22 |
| 23 | Aburaman SHS | 21 |
| 24 | Academy of Christ the King SHS | 21 |
| 25 | Assin Nsuta SHS | 21 |
| 26 | Nyankumasi Ahenkro SHS | 21 |
| 27 | Obiri Yeboah SHS | 21 |
| 28 | Breman Asikuma SHS | 20 |
| 29 | Dunkwa SHTS | 16 |
| 30 | Asare Bediako SHS | 12 |
➡️ Related: NSMQ 2026 Central Region Results
→ NSMQ 2026 Ashanti Region Results
Afua Kobi Ampem Girls’ SHS Leads the Race
Afua Kobi Ampem Girls’ Senior High School currently occupies the first position on the runners-up ranking after recording 50 points.
The school’s performance places it ahead of several established NSMQ competitors and gives it a strong position in the wildcard qualification race.
Jachie Pramso SHS follows in second place with 45 points, while Mankessim SHTS occupies the third position with 44 points.
These scores demonstrate the competitive nature of this year’s regional qualifiers, where several schools produced results strong enough to remain in contention despite failing to win their contests.
➡️ Related: Best Girls’ Senior High Schools in Ghana
→ NSMQ Champions and Their Records
Central Region Schools Dominate the Rankings
The Central Region has a notable presence in the Top 30 runners-up ranking.
Mankessim Senior High Technical School leads the Central Region representation with 44 points and currently occupies third place nationally.
Other Central Region schools appearing on the list include:
- Jukwa SHTS (39 points)
- Oguaa SHTS (33 points)
- Assin North SHTS (26 points)
- Academy of Christ the King SHS (21 points)
- Assin Nsuta SHS (21 points)
- Nyankumasi Ahenkro SHS (21 points)
- Obiri Yeboah SHS (21 points)
The strong showing reflects the depth of academic competition within the region.
➡️ Related: NSMQ 2026 Central Region Fixtures
→ Senior High School Education News in Ghana
What Happens After the Top 30 Ranking?
The Top Runners-Up ranking does not automatically guarantee qualification for the National Championship.
Primetime Limited will determine the final wildcard qualifiers based on the approved qualification system, including ranking positions and other competition requirements.
Selected schools will join the regional winners at the National Championship in Accra.
The final announcement is expected ahead of the commencement of the national stage.
➡️ Related: NSMQ 2026 National Championship Guide
→ How NSMQ Qualification Works in Ghana
EducateGhana Analysis
The Top Runners-Up system adds another layer of competitiveness to the NSMQ qualification process.
According to education researcher and policy analyst Ferdinand Ellis, such mechanisms ensure that strong academic performances are not completely lost because of a single contest outcome.
Ellis notes that the ranking system encourages schools to prepare thoroughly because every point gained during competition can influence their chances of advancing.
The continued expansion of NSMQ also reflects Ghana’s growing focus on STEM education and academic excellence.
➡️ Related: Ghana STEM Education Development
→ Education Competitions and Student Development
Frequently Asked Questions
What are NSMQ Top Runners-Up schools?
They are schools that did not win their regional qualifier contests but recorded some of the highest scores among losing teams.
Which school leads the NSMQ 2026 Top Runners-Up ranking?
Afua Kobi Ampem Girls’ SHS currently leads with 50 points.
How many schools are ranked?
Thirty schools are included in the current Top Runners-Up ranking.
Does being in the Top 30 guarantee qualification?
No. The final wildcard qualifiers will be selected according to the official NSMQ qualification criteria.
When will the final wildcard schools be announced?
The final announcement will be made by Primetime Limited before the National Championship.
Why You Can Trust This Information
EducateGhana.com reports NSMQ developments using information from official organisers and verified competition updates.
This article is based on the Top Runners-Up ranking released by Primetime Limited for the 2026 NSMQ Regional Qualifiers.
Conclusion
The NSMQ 2026 Top Runners-Up ranking has kept the hopes of 30 schools alive as they wait for the final wildcard qualification decision.
With Afua Kobi Ampem Girls’ SHS leading the table and several strong schools close behind, the race for the remaining National Championship slots remains highly competitive.
EducateGhana.com will continue monitoring updates from Primetime Limited and provide the final list of wildcard qualifiers when announced.
Sources
- Primetime Limited, National Science and Maths Quiz Official Updates
- Ghana Education Service
About the Author
Ferdinand Ellis is an education researcher, curriculum specialist, policy analyst and founder of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform. He covers education policy, examinations, STEM education and major developments across Ghana’s education sector.
Related Articles
➡️ NSMQ 2026 Regional Qualifiers Full Results and Updates
➡️ NSMQ 2026 Qualified Schools for National Championship
➡️ NSMQ History, Winners and Records in Ghana
➡️ Top Science Senior High Schools in Ghana
➡️ Ghana STEM Education Development Guide
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