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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.

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