High Failure Rates in Core Subjects as 2026 WASSCE Private Results Are Released

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the provisional results for the 2026 WASSCE for Private Candidates (First Series). The results show that while some students performed well, many failed in the core subjects.

A total of 23,410 candidates wrote the exam, including 9,980 males and 13,430 females. However, 746 registered candidates did not show up. WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, said candidates can now check their results online through the council’s official website.

In terms of performance, Social Studies had the best results, with 75.10% of candidates getting grades between A1 and C6. English Language followed with 55.94% of candidates scoring top grades. Core Mathematics saw 37.84% of candidates pass, while Integrated Science recorded the lowest, with only 28.13% passing.

Despite these successes, many candidates received low grades. In English Language, a good number scored D7, E8, and F9. Core Mathematics recorded a high failure rate, with many candidates getting F9. Integrated Science also had a large number of failures. Social Studies, however, had fewer candidates failing compared to the other subjects.

WAEC also reported cases of exam malpractice. The subject results of 76 candidates and the full results of 87 candidates have been withheld while investigations continue. Affected candidates are advised to follow the official process on WAEC’s portal.

The council has also warned the public to stay away from fraudsters who claim they can change results. WAEC says its system is secure and all results can be verified.