Zimbabwe Announces February Start Date For Lower Sixth Classes With Pro-Rata Fees

Ministry Announces Commencement Date For Zimbabwe Lower Six A-Level Classes

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has officially declared that Lower Sixth classes for the 2026 academic year will begin on Monday, 2 February 2026. The directive, issued by Acting Secretary Lameck Mudyiwa, applies to all schools offering Advanced Level education across the nation’s provinces.

In a circular dated 20 January 2026, addressed to all provincial education directors, Mudyiwa stated that schools must now begin their preparations. The circular, originating from Queen Lozikeyi House in Harare, leaves no room for doubt. Lameck Mudyiwa wrote:

“The commencement date for the 2026 lower sixth classes is Monday, the 2nd of February 2026. Please ensure that all Heads of schools, teachers, parents and the pupils are advised of this date.”

Pro-Rata Fees For New Intake

The ministry also provided crucial details regarding the financial obligations for the new Lower Sixth students. Fees will not be charged for the full first term. Instead, a pro-rata calculation will be applied based on the late start. The circular included the specific formula to be used:

“The fees payable by the Lower Sixth pupils will be on a pro-rata basis, according to the approved Term One fees for each school, given by the following formula: Number of days remaining in Term 1 2026 x total approved term 1 Fees/ Number of days in Term 1 2026”

This move is designed to ensure fairness for parents, as pupils will only pay for the portion of the term they will attend following the 2 February start date.

Minister On A High After Record O-Level Results

The announcement comes amidst a wave of optimism within the ministry following the recent release of the 2025 Ordinary Level results. Minister Torerayi Moyo publicly celebrated what he termed “all-time record-breaking” results.

The 2025 pass rate was confirmed at 35.26 percent, an increase from the 2024 figure of 33.19 percent.

Focus Now On A-Level Transition

With the O-Level success story setting a positive tone, the ministry’s focus shifts to ensuring a smooth transition for the successful candidates into Lower Sixth. The firm start date is seen as a key part of maintaining academic momentum. The directive from Acting Secretary Mudyiwa is unequivocal:

“All schools are expected to commence Lower Six classes on the given date.”

All provincial education directors from Bulawayo to Midlands have been instructed to disseminate the information widely to school heads, teachers, parents, and the pupils themselves.