NSMQ 2026: Bright SHS makes history as first private school to reach semi-finals

Bright Senior High School (SHS) achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first private school to reach the semi-finals of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) in 2026. The school overcame a two-point deficit in the final round to triumph over Chemu Senior High Technical School (SHTS) with a one-point victory, securing 27 points versus Chemu's 26.

This remarkable achievement follows an unprecedented journey for Bright SHS, which had previously made its NSMQ debut in 2024 and 2025 but exited at the preliminary stage. The school's progress in 2026 began with a qualification as one of the five runners-up from the preliminary stage, followed by an upset victory over Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS).

Bright's semi-final appearance marks a significant transformation following two previous exits from the competition. Amaniampong SHS ended the contest on 22 points, while Chemu SHTS, aiming for its second semi-final appearance, narrowly missed the mark. The 2026 NSMQ, produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by various organizations, featured the broadcast on JoyNews, sponsored by several entities, and showcasing the educational excellence of Ghana's students.