Zimbabwe to reward top-performing schools nationwide

Government has unveiled a new national initiative aimed at promoting and rewarding academic excellence, with the best-performing schools in every province set to be recognised based on their 2025 public examination results.

Announcing the programme on his X account, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo said his ministry will award the top 10 performing schools in each province at Grade Seven, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level, using 2025 examination pass rates as the benchmark.

"I am pleased to announce the launch of a new national initiative aimed at promoting and rewarding academic excellence across Zimbabwe's education system," Moyo said.

He said the initiative is designed not only to celebrate academic success but also to recognise schools that demonstrate a broader commitment to the holistic development of learners.

"This recognition is a celebration of high-performing schools that have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic achievement and the holistic development of learners in the provision of equitable, inclusive and quality education in line with (United Nations) Sustainable Development Goal 4," Moyo said.

In addition to the provincial awards, the ministry will also identify and reward the top five best-performing schools nationally based on results from the 2025 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) and Cambridge examinations.

The awards ceremony has been scheduled for March 20, 2026.

According to the minister, schools that perform exceptionally well will serve as benchmarks for others across the country.

"Such schools will serve as beacons of excellence and inspiration for others across the entire country, setting a benchmark for quality education and academic performance," he said.

Moyo also appealed to the private sector, development partners and individuals to support the initiative through sponsorships and other forms of assistance aimed at motivating educators and school administrators.

"I extend a heartfelt invitation to all individuals, well-wishers, corporates and development partners who wish to support this noble initiative," he said. "We welcome sponsorships, awards, grants and any other forms of assistance to motivate our hardworking teachers and headmasters."

He said interested partners can engage the ministry through its official communication channels at Head Office.

The initiative comes as part of renewed Government efforts to raise education standards, improve learning outcomes and strengthen accountability across the education sector, while positioning Zimbabwe's schools to compete more effectively at regional and global levels.