By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has announced a 78.2 percent national pass rate in the 2026 National Primary School Examination (NPSE), with Davies Bethany of Tower Hill Kindergarten and Primary School emerging as the best-performing candidate nationwide.
The results, released by the Ministry, reflect a strong performance by pupils across Sierra Leone and highlight continued efforts to improve learning outcomes at the primary education level.
According to MBSSE, a total of 164,714 pupils registered for the 2026 NPSE, while 160,161 candidates eventually sat the examination.
Among the successful candidates, Davies Bethany distinguished herself with an outstanding aggregate score of 351, placing her at the top of the national rankings. Her achievement has brought recognition to Tower Hill Kindergarten and Primary School and serves as an inspiration to pupils preparing to transition from primary to secondary education.
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Conrad Sackey congratulated the successful candidates, teachers, parents and school authorities for their dedication and collective efforts in contributing to the positive results recorded this year.
The 2026 NPSE also recorded increased participation, with 89 more schools taking part compared to the previous year. The Ministry described the growth as a sign of expanding participation in the country’s national education assessment system.
However, the Minister highlighted some challenges arising from the examination process. A total of 4,553 registered pupils were absent from the examination, while 1,920 results were withheld due to suspected cases of examination malpractice.
The Ministry is expected to continue reviewing the withheld results in line with established examination procedures before making final decisions.
Despite these challenges, the 78.2 percent pass rate represents a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s basic education sector. The results provide an opportunity to celebrate pupils who achieved outstanding performances while also identifying areas requiring further attention from schools, parents, education authorities and other stakeholders.
The Ministry has encouraged successful pupils to remain committed to their studies as they advance to the next stage of their education. Parents and teachers have also been urged to continue providing the support necessary to help learners develop strong academic foundations.
The remarkable performance of Davies Bethany, together with the overall national pass rate, provides a positive outlook for Sierra Leone’s education sector and demonstrates the potential of young learners when supported by dedicated teachers, committed parents and effective educational institutions.
MBSSE has extended its appreciation to all pupils who participated in the 2026 NPSE and congratulated those who attained the required standards, while encouraging those who faced challenges to remain focused and continue pursuing their educational goals.