Illegal private schools get 4 months to comply or face closure

The Government has issued a four-month ultimatum to private schools operating without official registration, warning that non-compliant institutions will be shut down from January 2026.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo announced the directive on Wednesday in the National Assembly, saying the grace period is intended to protect learners currently preparing for or sitting their examinations.

"We have given illegal schools a grace period of four months because we did not want to close those schools haphazardly, as this disadvantages the learners," Minister Moyo said. "By so doing, we would have violated their fundamental right, the right to education."

He added that the Government is appealing to school directors to follow proper registration procedures. "We have given them a grace period until December 31 so that come January, we can invoke our circulars and close those schools," he said.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of unregistered private schools in the country. Some of these institutions are reportedly employing unqualified teachers and operating without Government oversight, raising questions about the quality and safety of education provided.

Minister Moyo urged school owners to use the grace period to regularise their operations to ensure compliance with educational standards and protect the interests of their learners.