Nationally, 54.5% of candidates scored aggregate 42 and below to qualify for Senior Secondary School, the first time the pass rate has crossed 50% in five years. In total, 24,058 students (75.66%) will transition, the highest rate since 2021.
Girls dominated the top grades. Of the 76 candidates who scored a perfect aggregate 6, girls secured 50. They also claimed 293 of the 457 distinctions between aggregate 6 and 9. This marks a 26.7% increase in top-tier performance compared to 2025.
Overall, female candidates recorded a national pass rate of 56.4%, outperforming their male counterparts.
The science pass rate also hit a record 65.1%, up from 57.3% in 2025, the highest since 2021.
Region 5 North (CRR-North) emerged as the best performing region with a 67% pass rate, 12.9 points above the national average, despite having only 3.3% of candidates.
Dr Drammeh described the results as a "significant milestone," attributing gains to reforms with partners including UNICEF and WFP, and commended teachers and parents for their role.
The Ministry says 1,492 results are still outstanding and will strengthen its Second Chance Programme for over 24% who failed.
