By Kebba Ansu Manneh
The Principal of Kaur Senior Secondary School (KSSS), Amet Jeng Sey, has expressed strong confidence that the school will achieve its best-ever performance in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), building on an already impressive showing the previous year.
Speaking at the school’s Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony on 4th July 2026, Principal Jeng Sey declared that the 2026 cohort is poised to “make history” when results are released. “Based on our robust and rigorous internal assessments, coupled with the unwavering dedication of our teaching staff, I am confident to officially inform this gathering that the school is expecting to produce its best results,” he said. “The momentum is unstoppable, and there is no iota of doubt that this 2026 cohort will make history by the grace of Allah SWT.”
The optimism stems from KSSS’s strong 2025 WASSCE performance, where over 71 percent of candidates obtained credit passes across all streams. The school recorded a flawless 100 percent credit pass rate in both Physics and Chemistry, and 98 percent in Biology, achievements described as a direct response to the national push to strengthen science education.
“As a rural school facing numerous limitations and challenges, I am proud to announce that we have made a giant stride in the natural sciences,” Principal Jeng Sey noted. He added that the institution continues to excel in Humanities and Business subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, Financial Accounting, Business Management, Commerce, History, Government, and Islamic Studies.
The school’s rising profile earned it a first-time invitation to the WAEC National Award Ceremony in February 2026. “This recognition is a result of our shattering records in recent years,” the Principal revealed, describing the moment as a proud achievement witnessed by high-profile dignitaries.
Jeng Sey urged the graduating students to seize opportunities ahead. “Your education will provide you with opportunities for networking; contacts will be made, friendships will be formed… Those who will make a success of their opportunities are those who have a vision,” he said. He stressed, however, that vision alone is not enough: “Success will only go to those who will execute on their vision… You must be prepared to grab the luck and opportunities that come your way.”
The ceremony also featured glowing tributes to ex-students for their support. This year, the KSSS Ex-Students Association donated 12 wall fans for the assembly hall, while the Class of ’98 provided a giant printer and handsome prizes for top performers in Science, Commerce, and Arts streams, plus an award for Teacher of the Year.
Hassoum Ceesay, Director of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Chairman of KSSS Board of Directors, commended the graduates for their perseverance and called on them to pursue higher education or skills training while steering clear of crime and violence. He praised the Principal and staff for positioning the school competitively among Gambian senior secondary institutions and appealed for stronger collaboration among parents, the mothers’ club, and management.
Saikou Dibba, Regional Education Director for Region Five North, emphasised the role of discipline as the foundation for academic success and responsible citizenship. “School discipline provides a safe and conducive environment for effective teaching and learning,” he said.
Guest Speaker Professor Cherno Omar Barry advised students to prioritize character alongside academic knowledge. Drawing on the Broken Windows Theory, he warned against small acts of indiscipline and declared, “Character in the end is destiny.” He encouraged patriotism through doing what is right even when unobserved.
Presidents of the ex-students’ associations, Mustapha Cham and Dudu Bah, echoed calls for graduates to continue their education or acquire marketable skills.
The colourful event attracted a wide cross-section of society, including National Assembly Member for Lower Saloum Hon. Sainey Jawara, Chief of Lower Saloum District Ali Gaye Touray, Chairman of Kuntaur Area Council Saihou Jawara, and local Alkalos.
As Kaur Senior Secondary School continues its upward trajectory, stakeholders believe its story offers renewed hope for quality education in rural Gambia.
