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Ministry rejects ZRP school exam appeal
3 hrs ago |
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The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has turned down a request by ZRP High School to allow its November 2026 candidates to exceed the prescribed number of subjects at both Ordinary and Advanced Level.
Under current policy, enforced through the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council, Ordinary Level candidates are limited to a maximum of nine subjects. These include five core learning areas — English Language, Mathematics, an Indigenous Language, Combined Science and Heritage Studies — alongside four elective subjects.
At Advanced Level, candidates are restricted to three principal subjects, with a fourth permitted only in exceptional and specialised cases. Authorities say the limits are designed to ensure academic balance, reduce learner burnout and align with university entry requirements, where 15 points are generally considered sufficient.
ZRP High School had sought an exemption to allow its candidates to take more subjects. However, in a letter dated 14 April 2026, Permanent Secretary Moses Mhike said the policy applies uniformly to all schools without exception.
Mhike referenced Circular Number 10 of 2024, which clearly outlines the subject limits for public examinations.
"In light of the above, the Ministry reiterates its clear policy position regarding the number of learning areas a candidate may take in a given public examination session, as outlined in Secretary Circular Number 10 of 2024. This policy must be adhered to without exception," he wrote.
He added that heads of examination centres are responsible for ensuring candidates understand the policy before registration. ZIMSEC, he noted, is prepared to refund any excess examination fees paid by candidates who registered beyond the stipulated limits.
"Accordingly, the appeal for candidates to sit for more than nine subjects at Ordinary Level and more than three subjects at Advanced Level in the November/December 2026 examination session is turned down," Mhike said.
Under current policy, enforced through the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council, Ordinary Level candidates are limited to a maximum of nine subjects. These include five core learning areas — English Language, Mathematics, an Indigenous Language, Combined Science and Heritage Studies — alongside four elective subjects.
At Advanced Level, candidates are restricted to three principal subjects, with a fourth permitted only in exceptional and specialised cases. Authorities say the limits are designed to ensure academic balance, reduce learner burnout and align with university entry requirements, where 15 points are generally considered sufficient.
ZRP High School had sought an exemption to allow its candidates to take more subjects. However, in a letter dated 14 April 2026, Permanent Secretary Moses Mhike said the policy applies uniformly to all schools without exception.
Mhike referenced Circular Number 10 of 2024, which clearly outlines the subject limits for public examinations.
"In light of the above, the Ministry reiterates its clear policy position regarding the number of learning areas a candidate may take in a given public examination session, as outlined in Secretary Circular Number 10 of 2024. This policy must be adhered to without exception," he wrote.
He added that heads of examination centres are responsible for ensuring candidates understand the policy before registration. ZIMSEC, he noted, is prepared to refund any excess examination fees paid by candidates who registered beyond the stipulated limits.
"Accordingly, the appeal for candidates to sit for more than nine subjects at Ordinary Level and more than three subjects at Advanced Level in the November/December 2026 examination session is turned down," Mhike said.
Source - Pindula
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