WAEC reports that English Language performance in the 2026 WASSCE has fallen to 62.4%, continuing a four-year decline from 73.11% in 2023.
Article Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Article Type | Examination Results and Performance Analysis |
| Examination | WASSCE for School Candidates 2026 |
| Subject | English Language |
| Performance Indicator | Candidates obtaining A1–C6 |
| 2026 Performance | 62.40% |
| Previous Year (2025) | 69.00% |
| Primary Source | West African Examinations Council (WAEC) |
| Published By | EducateGhana.com |
| Editorial Review | EducateGhana Education Intelligence Desk |
Fact Check & Editorial Review
This article is based on performance statistics released in connection with the provisional results of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates.
The reported figures indicate that 315,094 candidates obtained grades A1 to C6 in English Language, representing 62.40% of candidates.
The performance trend also shows a consistent decline in the proportion of candidates obtaining credit passes in English Language over the four-year period from 2023 to 2026.
EducateGhana.com has presented the figures alongside historical performance data to provide context for readers.
Key Takeaways
- English Language performance in the 2026 WASSCE fell to 62.40%.
- The figure represents a decline from 69.00% in 2025.
- English Language performance has declined consistently since 2023.
- The pass rate dropped from 73.11% in 2023 to 62.40% in 2026.
- A total of 315,094 candidates obtained grades A1 to C6 in English Language.
- Mathematics, Integrated Science and Social Studies recorded improved performance in 2026.
In Brief
Performance in English Language in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination has declined to 62.40%, according to statistics released by the West African Examinations Council.
The latest performance represents a significant decline from the 69.00% recorded in 2025 and continues a four-year downward trend in English Language results.
While English Language performance declined, other core subjects, including Mathematics, Integrated Science and Social Studies, recorded improvements.
The figures raise important questions about literacy development, language instruction and academic preparedness among Senior High School students in Ghana.
Introduction
Performance in English Language has recorded its lowest level in four years in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with only 62.40% of candidates obtaining grades between A1 and C6.
According to performance statistics released by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), 315,094 candidates obtained credit passes in English Language in the 2026 examination.
The latest figure represents a further decline from the 69.00% recorded in 2025 and continues a worrying downward trend that began after the strong performance recorded in 2023.
English Language remains one of the most important subjects in Ghana’s secondary education system because it serves as the principal language of instruction and is a core requirement for admission into tertiary institutions.
The decline is particularly significant because performance in three other core WASSCE subjects improved in 2026.
➡ Related on EducateGhana: WASSCE 2026 Results Released: Everything Candidates Need to Know | How to Check WASSCE Results in Ghana
English Language Performance Falls to 62.40%
WAEC’s 2026 WASSCE statistics show that 62.40% of candidates obtained grades ranging from A1 to C6 in English Language.
In absolute terms, 315,094 candidates achieved credit passes in the subject.
However, a significant number of candidates obtained grades below the credit threshold.
The performance distribution included:
- 315,094 candidates: A1 to C6
- 49,771 candidates: D7
- 37,080 candidates: E8
- 55,940 candidates: F9
This means more than 142,000 candidates recorded grades outside the A1 to C6 range.
English Language is one of the four compulsory core subjects in WASSCE and remains a major admission requirement for many tertiary institutions and professional programmes.
➡ Related on EducateGhana: WASSCE Grading System Explained: Meaning of A1 to F9 | Universities in Ghana and WASSCE Admission Requirements
Four-Year Trend Shows Continuous Decline
The most striking aspect of the 2026 results is the consistent decline in English Language performance over the past four years.
WAEC’s data shows the following trend:
| Year | Percentage Obtaining A1–C6 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 73.11% |
| 2024 | 69.52% |
| 2025 | 69.00% |
| 2026 | 62.40% |
The data shows that the proportion of candidates obtaining credit passes in English Language has fallen by 10.71 percentage points between 2023 and 2026.
The decline from 2025 to 2026 alone is 6.60 percentage points.
Unlike the other core subjects, WAEC identified English Language as the subject with a progressive decline over the four-year period.
This development deserves serious attention from education policymakers, school leaders, teachers and curriculum specialists.
The figures suggest that the challenge may extend beyond a single examination year.
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Mathematics, Science and Social Studies Improve
The decline in English Language contrasts sharply with the performance recorded in the other three core subjects.
Core Mathematics improved from 48.73% in 2025 to 60.75% in 2026.
Integrated Science also recorded an improvement, rising from 57.74% in 2025 to 62.08% in 2026.
Social Studies recorded the strongest improvement among the core subjects, rising from 55.82% in 2025 to 78.04% in 2026.
The 2026 performance comparison is shown below:
| Subject | 2025 A1–C6 | 2026 A1–C6 |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 69.00% | 62.40% |
| Core Mathematics | 48.73% | 60.75% |
| Integrated Science | 57.74% | 62.08% |
| Social Studies | 55.82% | 78.04% |
The mixed pattern presents an interesting development in Ghana’s secondary education system.
While improvements in Mathematics, Science and Social Studies may indicate progress in teaching and learning in those areas, the decline in English Language raises concerns about literacy and communication skills.
➡ Related on EducateGhana: WASSCE 2026 Mathematics Results and Performance Analysis | WASSCE 2026 Social Studies Performance Explained
Why English Language Performance Matters
English Language occupies a unique position within Ghana’s education system.
It is not only an examination subject. It is also the primary language through which students learn other subjects at the secondary and tertiary levels.
Weak performance in English Language may therefore have broader implications for academic achievement.
Students require strong language skills to:
- Understand examination questions.
- Write essays and reports.
- Interpret academic materials.
- Communicate effectively.
- Participate in classroom discussions.
- Conduct research and academic writing.
For students seeking admission into universities, colleges of education, nursing training institutions and other tertiary institutions, English Language is also a compulsory entry requirement.
A decline in English Language performance may therefore affect the transition of some candidates into tertiary education.
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Possible Factors Behind the Decline
WAEC’s statistics establish the performance trend but do not, by themselves, provide a complete explanation for the decline.
A proper explanation would require further research into teaching practices, curriculum implementation, learner backgrounds and examination performance.
However, several areas may require attention.
Reading Culture
Strong English Language performance depends heavily on reading and comprehension skills.
Students who have limited exposure to reading materials may struggle with comprehension passages, vocabulary development and essay writing.
Writing Skills
English Language examinations require candidates to demonstrate competence in composition and structured written communication.
Weaknesses in grammar, organisation of ideas and vocabulary may affect performance.
Classroom Instruction
The quality and consistency of English Language teaching can influence learner outcomes.
Teacher preparation, instructional materials and assessment practices remain important factors.
Digital Communication Habits
The growing use of informal digital communication may also require closer examination.
Students increasingly communicate through shortened expressions and informal writing styles, which may not always support mastery of formal academic writing.
These factors should not be treated as confirmed causes of the 2026 decline without further evidence. However, they provide important areas for educational research and policy discussion.
➡ Related on EducateGhana: The Decline of Reading Culture Among Ghanaian Students | How Teachers Can Improve English Language Learning Outcomes
What the Results Mean for Schools and Teachers
The 2026 WASSCE results should encourage schools to review how English Language is taught and assessed.
School leaders may need to pay greater attention to:
- Reading programmes.
- Essay writing practice.
- Grammar instruction.
- Vocabulary development.
- Oral communication.
- Continuous assessment.
- Examination preparation strategies.
English Language departments may also need to conduct detailed analyses of student performance rather than focusing only on the overall pass rate.
Schools should identify whether students are struggling primarily with comprehension, grammar, essay writing, summary writing or oral communication.
Such analysis can help teachers develop targeted interventions.
The national results also provide an opportunity for collaboration between English teachers, curriculum specialists and education authorities.
➡ Related on EducateGhana: How Schools Can Use WASSCE Results to Improve Teaching | Teacher Strategies for Improving Student Academic Performance
An Education Policy Concern Beyond Examination Results
The four-year decline in English Language performance should not be viewed only as an examination problem.
Language proficiency affects nearly every aspect of education.
Students with weak reading and writing skills may experience difficulties in Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and other subjects because examination questions and learning materials are communicated through language.
For this reason, improving English Language performance may require interventions that begin before Senior High School.
Basic schools play a critical role in developing foundational literacy skills.
A long-term national strategy may therefore need to focus on:
- Early-grade literacy.
- Reading culture.
- Teacher capacity.
- Access to books.
- School libraries.
- Writing instruction.
- Language assessment.
The WASSCE results should therefore be considered within the broader context of Ghana’s literacy and education system.
Author’s Analysis
The decline from 73.11% in 2023 to 62.40% in 2026 should concern everyone involved in Ghana’s education system.
English Language is the foundation upon which much of formal learning depends.
The improvement in Mathematics, Integrated Science and Social Studies demonstrates that academic performance can improve when systems, teaching practices and learner preparation are strengthened.
The same level of attention should now be directed towards English Language.
Ghana needs a national conversation about literacy that moves beyond examination preparation.
Students must be supported to read critically, write clearly, communicate confidently and engage meaningfully with academic texts.
The 2026 WASSCE English Language results should therefore become a starting point for deeper research rather than merely another annual examination statistic.
What Happens Next?
WAEC has released the provisional 2026 WASSCE results for School Candidates, while affected candidates are expected to access their results through the Council’s official result-checking platforms.
Candidates should rely only on official WAEC channels when checking results and avoid individuals or websites claiming they can alter or upgrade examination results.
WAEC has also cautioned candidates about examination-related fraud and irregularities.
Candidates can access official WAEC result services through the Council’s website and authorised result-checking platforms.
➡ Related on EducateGhana: How to Check WASSCE Results Online | WAEC Withheld and Cancelled Results Explained
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of candidates passed English Language in WASSCE 2026?
According to WAEC statistics, 62.40% of candidates obtained grades A1 to C6 in English Language.
How many candidates obtained A1 to C6 in English Language?
A total of 315,094 candidates obtained grades between A1 and C6.
Did English Language performance improve in 2026?
No. English Language performance declined from 69.00% in 2025 to 62.40% in 2026.
Which year had the highest English Language performance in the last four years?
Based on the available four-year data, 2023 recorded the highest performance at 73.11%.
Which core subject performed best in WASSCE 2026?
Social Studies recorded the highest proportion of candidates obtaining A1 to C6, with 78.04%.
Conclusion
The 2026 WASSCE results reveal a concerning decline in English Language performance among Ghanaian Senior High School candidates.
With only 62.40% of candidates obtaining grades A1 to C6, English Language has now recorded a four-year downward trend.
The development contrasts with improvements in Mathematics, Integrated Science and Social Studies.
While examination statistics alone cannot explain the causes of the decline, the trend calls for closer attention from education authorities, teachers, researchers and policymakers.
Improving English Language performance will require more than examination preparation. It will require sustained investment in literacy, reading, writing and effective language instruction across Ghana’s education system.
Author
Ferdinand Ellis
Education Researcher | Lecturer | Curriculum Specialist | Education Policy Analyst
Founder, EducateGhana.com
Ferdinand Ellis writes on education policy, curriculum, teacher development, examinations and education reform in Ghana.
Sources and References
West African Examinations Council. (2026). WASSCE for School Candidates results and performance statistics.
MyJoyOnline. (2026, September 5). WASSCE 2026: English Language performance falls to 62.4% – WAEC.
MyJoyOnline. (2026, September 5). WASSCE 2026: Social Studies records sharp rebound as Maths, Science also improve.
West African Examinations Council. (2024). Performance of candidates in the core subjects: WASSCE for School Candidates 2024.
Related Content
- WASSCE 2026 Results Released: Full Performance Analysis
- How to Check WASSCE Results Online in Ghana
- WASSCE Grading System Explained
- WASSCE University Admission Requirements in Ghana
- WAEC Withheld and Cancelled Results Explained