The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has announced the release of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, revealing outstanding performances by individual candidates and schools alongside serious concerns over examination malpractice and poor performance in English Language.

The results were announced on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, by the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, following their submission to the Ministry by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on Friday, 23 October 2026.

According to the Ministry, 201,124 candidates from 1,043 schools registered for the examination, while results were made available for 200,756 candidates from 1,038 schools. However, the results of 368 candidates from five private schools were not released because of outstanding payments.

A major concern was the withholding of results belonging to 47,454 candidates, comprising 26,735 females and 20,719 males, over suspected examination malpractice. The figure represents a sharp increase from 13,237 in 2025, raising questions about the scale of examination irregularities.

The Ministry explained that the increase could reflect stricter examination monitoring and improved detection of malpractice, although further investigations would be required to establish the underlying causes.

The suspected irregularities fall under 13 categories, including collusion, sharing of answers within examination rooms and the use of social media platforms or artificial intelligence to obtain and distribute examination answers.

The Ministry emphasized that withheld results do not automatically establish guilt. WAEC may release results where allegations are not substantiated, while those found responsible for malpractice could have their results cancelled.

To ensure transparency, the Chief Education Officer, who serves as the Government's chief nominee to WAEC, will work with the relevant committee to accelerate investigations. The Ministry also intends to involve three respected educationists as observers during the deliberations.

Minister Conrad Sackey warned that disciplinary action could extend to examination supervisors, invigilators, centre managers, principals and school proprietors found to have facilitated malpractice. Repeat offenders among school authorities could be referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), while Government funds paid for ineligible candidates could be recovered.

Despite those challenges, the examination produced remarkable academic achievements, with Alfred Farwell Thorpe of Sierra Leone Grammar School emerging as the country's best-performing candidate.

Alfred Farwell Thorpe obtained six A1 grades, one B3 and one C4 in eight subjects, recording an average grade unit of 1.63.

Syllawa Alie of Kamboi Lebanese Senior Secondary School in Kenema secured second position with four A1 grades, two B2 grades and two B3 grades, recording an average grade unit of 1.75.

At the institutional level, Awada Senior Secondary School in Bo was recognised as the best-performing school in the 2026 WASSCE.

Minister Conrad Sackey congratulated the outstanding candidates and schools, acknowledging the contributions of teachers, parents and school administrations to their achievements.

The national results further indicated that 91,122 candidates, reportedly representing 64.3 per cent, obtained at least five credits in one sitting, although the reported percentage requires reconciliation with the official examination figures.

English Language remained a major challenge, with 63.33 per cent of candidates failing the subject, while 62.15 per cent obtained a credit or better in Mathematics.

The examination statistics also showed that 11,492 candidates, comprising 6,490 females and 5,002 males, were absent from all subjects, while 141,810 candidates were recorded as present. Some of these figures require further clarification to ensure consistency in the national examination data.

As part of efforts to strengthen examination integrity, the Ministry announced plans to introduce a new WAEC Bill in 2027, aimed at improving examination administration, establishing stronger accountability measures and providing legal sanctions against individuals and institutions involved in malpractice.

The Ministry reaffirmed its confidence in the ability of Sierra Leonean pupils to achieve excellent academic results through honest effort, effective teaching and disciplined preparation.

While the achievements of Alfred Farwell Thorpe, Syllawa Alie and Awada Senior Secondary School offer reasons for celebration, the high number of withheld results and continued poor performance in English Language highlight the need for stronger examination supervision, improved teaching standards and sustained investment in Sierra Leone's education system.

 

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