Govt cracks down on schools manipulating ZIMSEC pass rates

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has warned schools against manipulating examination pass rates as the deadline for registration for the 2026 national examinations approaches.

In a statement issued Monday, the ministry said all schools and examination centres must complete registration for the November 2026 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations by March 27 using the online registration system.

Authorities stressed that heads of examination centres will be held fully accountable for the accuracy of candidate information submitted during the registration process.

The ministry also said examination centres must register a minimum of 10 candidates for both Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations in order to qualify as official centres.

Private candidates are required to present valid identification documents during registration, including a national identity card, passport, driver's licence or a certified birth certificate.

Schools were also urged to ensure that candidates with special needs are properly identified during registration so that appropriate examination arrangements can be made.

Candidates must verify and sign off on their registration details before submission to avoid errors that could affect their examination entries.

The ministry further warned that candidates who fail to sit for all components of their registered subjects will not receive examination results.

Authorities raised concern over reports that some schools were attempting to manipulate pass rates by registering school candidates as private candidates.

"The ministry warns against unethical practices such as registering school candidates as private candidates to manipulate pass rates," said the ministry's Director of Communications and Advocacy Taungana Ndoro.

"That is a breach of examination regulations and attracts consequences of great displeasure," Ndoro added.