Heritage-based curriculum mandatory for all learners in Zimbabwe

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has reaffirmed that all learners in Zimbabwe, including those enrolled in Cambridge programmes, are required to follow the country's Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC), dismissing suggestions that students may choose between local and international curricula.

The clarification follows a statement issued by [Cambridge University Press & Assessment](https://www.cambridge.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com) on June 15, 2026, which indicated that discussions with the Government had established that learners would continue to have a choice of curriculum and would not be required to study both local and international programmes.

Responding to the statement, the Ministry's Director of Communications and Advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, said the Government's position on the national curriculum remains unchanged.

"There is no choice of curriculum. The Heritage-Based Curriculum is mandatory for all pupils in Zimbabwe. This position has not changed and will not be altered by any engagements with external examination bodies," said Ndoro.

He stressed that the Heritage-Based Curriculum remains the official national curriculum framework and must be implemented by all schools operating in Zimbabwe.

According to the Ministry, the first national examinations under the Heritage-Based Curriculum will be written in 2028, marking a significant milestone in the rollout of the new education system.

Ndoro also confirmed that the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council will become the sole examination authority for all national examinations from 2027.

"We are not banning Cambridge or any other international examination board. Pupils may voluntarily sit Cambridge examinations as an additional qualification — a supplementary one — but this does not replace or exempt them from the mandatory HBC and ZIMSEC-administered national examinations," he said.

The Ministry emphasised that international qualifications may continue to be offered by schools as supplementary credentials, but they cannot substitute the national curriculum or national examination requirements.

Ndoro further argued that suggestions of a dual-curriculum choice misrepresent Government policy.

"Cambridge's statement does not reflect the policy direction of the Government of Zimbabwe. We remain open to dialogue with Cambridge and other stakeholders on how international qualifications can complement — not substitute — our national curriculum. However, there will be no deviation from the mandatory implementation of the Heritage-Based Curriculum," he said.

The Heritage-Based Curriculum forms part of Government's broader education reform agenda aimed at aligning learning outcomes with Zimbabwe's socio-economic development goals, cultural heritage and national identity.

Education authorities have argued that the curriculum is designed to equip learners with practical skills, innovation capabilities and values that support national development, while also ensuring that education remains relevant to local realities and opportunities.

The latest clarification is expected to provide guidance to schools, parents and examination providers as preparations continue for the full implementation of the Heritage-Based Curriculum and the transition to ZIMSEC-administered national examinations.

The Ministry has indicated that while international examination bodies remain welcome to operate in Zimbabwe, their qualifications will function as complementary certifications rather than alternatives to the country's mandatory national curriculum framework.