MBSSE Releases ‘Best Ever’ WASSCE Results

Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a highly anticipated announcement, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has unveiled the results of the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This crucial examination marks the culmination of formal education in Sierra Leone and neighboring West African nations and is conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

Key Highlights:

Record-Breaking Entry: A staggering 243,202 candidates from 888 schools in Sierra Leone participated in the May/June 2023 WASSCE, surpassing previous years’ entries. This entry number exceeded the 2023 National Primary School Examination (NPSE) and the 2022 WASSCE entries.

• Gender Equality: Continuing a trend, 52.5% of the candidates were female, reflecting a higher female enrollment. Of those who sat for at least one subject, 53% were female.
• Impressive Pass Rates: The overall pass rate for 2023 stood at an all-time high of 83%, an impressive leap from the previous years’ rates of 64% and 77%.
• Benchmark Achievement: A notable achievement was the number of students who secured the benchmark minimum of 5 credits in one sitting, reaching 137,796 in 2023, despite numerous results being withheld.
• Top Performers: Two candidates, Raymonda E. Mammah and Sahr Edward Fillie from Providence International Senior High School, claimed the top position with remarkable scores, obtaining 8 A1s and 1 B2 each.
• Outstanding Schools: Providence International Senior High School emerged as the best-performing school, with all 185 of its candidates meeting the requirements for direct entry into university undergraduate degree programs.
• University Entry Qualification: A notable 137,245 candidates met the university undergraduate degree program entry requirements, surpassing the 2022 figure.
• English Language Challenge: The percentage of candidates with credit or better in English Language was a concern, standing at 17%.
• Improved Subject Performance: Overall performance across different subjects showed significant improvements compared to 2022.
• District Excellence: District performance in 2023 was generally better, with most districts achieving a credit grade range.
• Anti-Malpractice Measures: The MBSSE and WAEC are actively combatting examination malpractices, with 34,525 results withheld pending investigations. Actions against individuals and entities involved in malpractices will be disclosed.

Detailed performance reports and individual results will be available on the MBSSE website soon. This record-breaking 2023 WASSCE, while showcasing academic achievements, also highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of education in Sierra Leone.