Zimbabwe to adopt single exam board for O- & A-Level

The Government has announced that Zimbabwe will introduce a single national examination board for Ordinary Level and Advanced Level learners starting in 2027, in a major reform of the education system aimed at improving standardisation and equity.

Under the new arrangement, the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) will become the sole examining authority for both O-Level and A-Level students.

The decision effectively seeks to phase out the dual system that currently allows schools to offer both ZIMSEC and Cambridge examinations, a structure critics say has created inequality based on financial capacity.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo said the reform is intended to ensure equal access to a uniform assessment system for all learners.

He said schools wishing to continue offering Cambridge examinations will need special justification and Government approval.

"This is aimed at ensuring fairness, standardisation and equal opportunity for all learners regardless of socio-economic background," Moyo said.

The policy has drawn mixed reactions from parents and education stakeholders. Supporters argue it will level the playing field and strengthen confidence in the national curriculum, while critics say parents should retain the freedom to choose between examination systems.

The reform aligns with broader education changes under Zimbabwe's Heritage-Based Curriculum, which emphasises competency-based learning and national identity.

Government has also recently introduced subject cap regulations, limiting O-Level candidates to nine subjects and A-Level students to three, in a bid to improve focus and academic performance.

If implemented as planned, the new single-exam system is expected to streamline assessment, reduce disparities between schools, and reinforce the role of ZIMSEC as the central pillar of Zimbabwe's examination framework.