Skip to main content

2025 NPSE: Defining moment for Sierra Leone's Educational Growth

By: Alhaji A. Barrie

Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education

The release of the 2025 National Primary School Examination (NPSE) results has ignited conversations far beyond the score sheets and statistics. 

Arriving earlier than expected, the data from the West African Examinations Council paints an evolving picture of Sierra Leone’s educational landscape one of remarkable triumphs and sobering realities.

This year, 171,112 pupils registered for the NPSE, with girls once again surpassing boys in enrollment numbers, a trend that signals a shifting tide in gender representation. Of these, 165,341 sat at least one paper. 

The overall pass rate now stands at 78.2%, demonstrating sustained progress in educational outcomes. 

Notably, female pupils have not only outnumbered their male counterparts but have also dominated the top achievers list, a clear sign of rising female ambition and academic excellence.

Among the standout stars is Mansaray Kadijah Yawa Joe from Dele Nursery & Preparatory School in Wellington, who achieved a stunning T-score of 346, setting a national benchmark. Schools such as the International College of Makeni, with its perfect pass rate and impressive average score of 332.39, continue to showcase excellence in primary education. 

Other high performers, including Modern Academy School of Excellence, Romans International Academy, Therenisa Memorial Primary School (Bo), and Shalom Ville Schools underscore the reach of quality teaching across diverse districts.

However, beneath the celebration lies a persistent concern: absenteeism. With 5,771 pupils missing from the exam halls, Sierra Leone faces a troubling question why are so many children still being left behind? 

Whether due to economic hardship, social barriers, or gaps in infrastructure, the issue demands urgent attention. It is no longer enough to applaud successes without understanding the silent stories behind missing names on a register.

As result slips and leaving certificates pave the way for secondary admissions, it’s crucial that this moment is not just a seasonal celebration but a foundation for future reform. 

Educators and policymakers must now rally communities to not only celebrate those who passed but also support those who struggled.

The 2025 NPSE has shown us that Sierra Leone is inching closer to educational equity but the journey is far from over. Real progress demands vigilance, empathy, and collective resolve. 

Every child deserves a chance not just to succeed, but to be seen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Makeni Medical Mission Brings Hope and Healing to Bombali District

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Residents of the Asker Amputee Camp in Makeni City, including various war victims, are rejoicing over the inauguration of the Makeni Medical Mission health facility, established by philanthropist, author, and pastor Mr. Bambay Sawaneh, alongside his partners in the United States. This newly launched medical facility, comprising 11 treatment rooms, was developed with the support of Southeastern Medical International (SMI) and the Concord Christian Church. Their mission is to deliver compassionate healthcare and a range of medical services to the people of Bombali District and surrounding areas, with a particular focus on war victims and vulnerable families living in the Asker Amputee Camp at Robureh. At the official opening ceremony in Makeni city, a team of 10 medical missionaries from Southeastern Medical International, including Sheila Yates, a seasoned medical missionary with two decades of experience in the US, provided free medical care to 100 individuals,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Senegal, first African team to beat England, but not first to score three goals

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Claim: Soccer World HQ, in a Facebook post , claimed that Senegal is the first African team to beat England and the first to score three goals against them. Verdict: Partly True! Senegal is the first African team to beat England, but not the first to score three goals against them. Full Text The England senior men’s national football team, nicknamed the “Three Lions,” played their first match against Scotland in 1872. That match ended goalless but marked the beginning of an intense soccer rivalry between both nations, dubbed the “Auld Enemy.” Since 1872-2025, the England national team has achieved its 1000-game milestone in November 2019 when they played Montenegro at the Wembley Stadium. England's all-time head-to-head record shows that they’ve played a whopping 1072 matches against 100 countries, won 615 games, drew 255, and lost 200. Senegal, on the other hand, is one of Africa’s most famous football nations, nicknamed the “Lions of Teranga.” In 2002, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Yoni Chiefdom Crowns Journalist Richmond Tholley as Ceremonial Chief

By Azrat Umar Saidu Turay The ceremony which took place on Sunday, May 26th, 2025, at Yoni Bana Town within Tonkolili district brought brought together eminent personality across the Northern -East parts of Serra Leone. The event was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, family members, and well-wishers, all gathered to witness this significant moment in the history of the Yoni Chiefdom. The ceremony began with traditional rituals, including the presentation of gifts and offerings to the ancestors, symbolizing respect for the rich heritage and customs of the Yoni people.  Elders from the chiefdom, adorned in traditional attire, played a pivotal role in the proceedings, blessing Tholley and imparting wisdom as he embarks on this new journey. Richmond B. Tholley, known for his dedication to journalism and community service, expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him.  In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and developm...
Post a Comment
Read more