Zimbabwe schools open e-enrolment for Form 1

The Government has launched the Electronic Ministry Application Platform (e-map) to streamline the allocation of Form One boarding school placements for the 2025 academic year, assuring parents that the system is ready to accommodate all learners in need of boarding places.

The platform, which opened on 1 November and will close on 31 December, is part of the Government's initiative to facilitate a smooth and transparent process for securing boarding school placements. With the increasing number of over 11,000 schools nationwide, parents are being encouraged to make prompt and informed decisions to avoid last-minute issues with securing places for their children.

In an interview with Sunday News, the Director of Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr. Taungana Ndoro, confirmed the opening of the e-enrolment system and advised parents to make decisive choices to prevent their children from missing out on available spaces.

"We have increased the number of boarding places, and now have over 11,000 schools across the country," Mr. Ndoro said. "However, parents need to be realistic about their choices. The system allows parents to select up to five schools, but they should not be overly selective. If they decline an offer from one school, there is no guarantee that another school will offer a vacancy."

Key Considerations for Parents

Mr. Ndoro cautioned that some parents, in hopes of securing a place at their first-choice school, often decline offers from other schools. This can lead to a situation where their children are left without any available vacancies. He emphasized that parents need to be pragmatic in their selection to avoid disappointment.

"Declining offers can put parents in a difficult position. If you don't accept an available vacancy, there are no guarantees that you will get a place at your preferred school," he added.

Another challenge highlighted by Mr. Ndoro is the importance of parents considering their children's academic capabilities when selecting schools. While many parents wish to place their children in top-tier schools, these schools often receive thousands of applications for limited vacancies.

"Parents must be aware of their children's academic abilities and select schools accordingly," Mr. Ndoro advised. "For example, some high-demand schools may have over 10,000 applications for just a handful of boarding spaces."

Ensuring Fair Access and Transparency

The e-map system was first introduced in 2016 to promote transparency in the allocation of Form One placements. Prior to this, some schools were accused of exploiting the placement process by charging parents for entrance tests or unfairly favouring certain applicants. The e-map system was designed to eliminate such practices and ensure a fair and transparent process for all learners.

Mr. Ndoro also emphasized that, while the demand for boarding school places is high, there are sufficient non-boarding vacancies for all learners, and the Government is committed to ensuring that no child is left behind. He reassured parents that all 2024 Grade Seven graduates would be able to progress to Form One in 2025.

Expansion of Boarding School Infrastructure

The Ministry has also announced plans to expand and improve boarding facilities across the country. This includes the construction of more sustainable boarding schools in every province to address the growing demand for these spaces.

In addition to the e-map initiative, the Government has taken steps to improve the quality and access to education, including upgrading nearly 2,000 satellite schools across the country to become registered examination centres. This will help improve access to education for learners in remote areas and ensure they are not disadvantaged in the exam process.

The e-enrolment platform aims to simplify the school placement process, offering more opportunities for children to access education. As parents make their choices for Form One placements, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education urges them to make informed, timely decisions to ensure their children secure a place in school and avoid unnecessary delays.

With the increased availability of school spaces, improved transparency, and the expansion of school infrastructure, the Government is striving to provide fair educational opportunities for all students across Zimbabwe.