AYV News, August 12, 2026
A total of 160,161 pupils sat the 2026 National Primary School Examination (NPSE), with more than 125,000 earning placement into Junior Secondary School (JSS), Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Conrad Sackey has announced.
The Minister described the placement figure as a major milestone for Sierra Leone’s education system, declaring that “125,000 futures have been unlocked.”
Speaking on the 2026 NPSE results, Minister Sackeysaid the achievement represents significant momentum for the country’s education sector and the thousands of pupils advancing to the next stage of their academic journey.
He also encouraged pupils who did not meet the required standard not to regard the results as the end of their educational journey.
“To those who did not pass: this is not an ending. The Ministry will remove the obstacles that held you back. Return next year. We will be waiting for you,” he said.
Among the successful candidates is 11-year-old Davies Bethany M. J. C. of Tower Hill Kindergarten and Primary School, who emerged as the highest-scoring candidate nationally with an aggregate score of 351.
Minister Sackey praised Davies for her exceptional performance, describing her achievement as an example of what young Sierra Leoneans can accomplish through dedication and excellence.
“Davies Bethany, you have shown what is possible. You have set a beacon for every young Sierra Leonean: excellence is within reach,” the Minister said.
He encouraged the young achiever to take pride in her accomplishment, assuring her that the Government of Sierra Leone recognises and celebrates her success.
With more than 125,000 pupils securing JSS placement, the 2026 NPSE results open a new chapter for thousands of young Sierra Leoneans as they transition into secondary education.
The Minister described the pupils as “the future architects of this nation”, congratulating them for their efforts and encouraging them to continue pursuing academic excellence.
The results also highlight the continued efforts by the education sector to expand opportunities for children while addressing barriers that prevent some pupils from progressing through the formal education system.
