Govt warns parents over rising exam fee fraud cases

The Government has issued a strong warning to parents and guardians to remain vigilant against examination fee fraud as the 2026 national school examinations registration process nears completion.

The alert comes amid growing reports of private and emerging schools allegedly misusing examination registration funds and issuing fake documentation to unsuspecting learners.

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro urged parents to confirm that schools enrolling candidates are properly registered with the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) or recognised Cambridge examination centres.

"All parents should take note… this is the time to verify," Ndoro said, adding that parents should ensure learners receive authentic statements of entry bearing official ZIMSEC verification features, and that they are free to confirm details directly with the examination body.

The Government recently extended the registration deadline for the 2026 ZIMSEC Advanced and Ordinary Level examinations, shifting it from March 27 to May 22 to allow more candidates to complete the process.

Officials say learners at unregistered institutions must be registered as private candidates through approved centres such as Government schools, council schools, or registered private colleges.

The warning follows several reported cases in which students were allegedly left stranded after paying fees to schools that failed to remit funds or register them for examinations.

In some instances, institutions are accused of issuing fake statements of entry or conducting unofficial "exams" using photocopied materials, leaving learners at risk of losing academic years.

Authorities have reiterated that all payments for examinations should be verified directly with ZIMSEC to prevent further cases of fraud, which they say have affected hundreds of learners in recent years.

The Government has called on parents to physically visit examination centres where necessary and confirm registration status early to avoid last-minute disruptions that could jeopardise students' academic progress.