Zimsec to be Zimbabwe's sole examination body by 2027

The Government has confirmed a major education policy shift, stating that the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) will become the sole national examinations body from 2027, as part of a transition away from the Cambridge curriculum.

Addressing concerns over the change, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of Communications and Advocacy, Mr Taungana Ndoro, said a structured transition plan has been developed to protect learners currently in the system.

"For learners currently in Form Three and Lower Six who are on the Cambridge route, the 2027 timeline is deliberate and fair. These learners will sit ZIMSEC O Level and A Level examinations respectively when they reach their final examination year," he said.

He added that from 2027 onwards, all schools will be required to register candidates exclusively under ZIMSEC for national examinations.

"After 2027, compliance will not be optional. All schools will register candidates solely through ZIMSEC for the national examinations that confer the national qualification," he said.

Mr Ndoro said the policy is grounded in the Education Act (Chapter 25:04), which provides for a unified national curriculum and examination framework.

"This is not a policy choice; it is a constitutional and legal imperative grounded in the Education Act," he said.

He explained that while Cambridge examinations will not be entirely banned, their use will be restricted and subject to ministerial approval for schools that wish to offer them alongside ZIMSEC.

The Ministry said the reform is aimed at standardising assessment and addressing inequalities between learners who access different examination systems.

"This reform dismantles a long-standing, unjust two-tier system that has falsely divided our children along socio-economic lines," Mr Ndoro said.

He said the move is aligned with the Heritage-Based Curriculum and Vision 2030, adding that ZIMSEC qualifications are widely recognised by universities and employers.

The Government has urged schools, parents and other stakeholders to support the transition process, assuring that implementation mechanisms are in place ahead of the 2027 deadline.