The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has announced a historic achievement in this year’s Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination (GABECE), with a record number of students qualifying for senior secondary school.
Out of 33,289 candidates registered for the 2026 examination, results for 31,797 were processed, representing 95.52 percent. The ministry confirmed that 16,964 students—54.5 percent of those assessed—achieved an aggregate score of 42 or below, securing their placement in senior secondary schools.
This marks the highest pass rate in the history of GABECE, reflecting what officials describe as “a record performance” in the country’s education system. The results also show a notable increase in the number of students achieving top grades.
Female participation remained strong, with 19,923 girls registered compared to 13,366 boys. However, 1,492 results are still outstanding, including 171 withheld due to alleged examination irregularities.
Education authorities hailed the outcome as a sign of progress in teaching and learning, while acknowledging that the surge in successful candidates will require expanded resources and infrastructure at the senior secondary level.
