Holy Child School has secured a return to the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) Championship after prevailing in a tense contest that was decided by a tie-breaker at the Central Regional Qualifiers.

The Elmina-based school, popularly known as Holico, edged Mankessim Senior High Technical School in a thrilling Contest Six after the two schools battled closely throughout the competition.

The contest featured Mankessim SHTS, Assin North SHTS, Academy of Christ the King and Holy Child School, with no team establishing a commanding lead as the momentum shifted repeatedly.

Holy Child made a bright start, ending the opening round with 22 points, just ahead of Mankessim SHTS on 21 points. Assin North SHTS followed with 15 points, while Academy of Christ the King recorded 9 points.

The rivalry intensified in the Speed Race round as Holy Child and Mankessim repeatedly buzzed in to answer questions. Mankessim eventually edged ahead, finishing the round with 28 points, one point clear of Holy Child's 27.

The suspense continued in the True or False round, where Mankessim extended its lead slightly to 40 points, while Holy Child remained within striking distance on 38 points.

The contest reached its climax in the Riddles round.

Holy Child answered the opening riddle correctly before Mankessim responded with the second to draw level. The final riddle, answered by Academy of Christ the King, left the two leading schools tied, forcing the contest into a decisive tie-breaker.

Holy Child held its nerve in the winner-takes-all question, producing the correct answer to seal qualification for the 2026 NSMQ Championship.

The victory marks the school's return to the national stage after a two-year absence, with Holico now hoping to make a strong impression when Ghana's premier science and mathematics competition gets underway.