Minister Torerayi Moyo Declares Heritage-Based Curriculum & ZIMSEC Exams Compulsory For All Private Schools, Says Cambridge Must Be Additional

Private Schools Must Implement Heritage-Based Curriculum And Sit For ZIMSEC Exams: Minister Torerayi Moyo

The Government of Zimbabwe has declared that the Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC) is now compulsory for all institutions, including private schools, and that international examinations, such as Cambridge, must serve only as an add-on to the mandatory ZIMSEC exams.

In a high-stakes meeting held at the University of Zimbabwe on Thursday, 12 February 2026, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Torerayi Moyo, delivered a firm directive to the Association of Trust Schools (ATS), effectively ending decades of preferential treatment for international syllabi. The announcement signals a major shake-up for institutions long associated with Cambridge qualifications and high fees.

‘International Exams Must Not Replace National Standard’

Minister Moyo left no room for ambiguity when addressing representatives from Zimbabwe’s top private schools. He insisted that the Ministry’s statutory authority over curriculum and examinations is absolute and non-negotiable.

“The Education Act explicitly provides the Ministry with the authority to determine curricula and examinations for all schools in Zimbabwe. The choice to sit for international examinations should serve as an addition to, not a replacement of, the national standard.”

The Minister’s remarks confirm that Cambridge and other international qualifications will not be banned. However, they will no longer be permitted to function as standalone alternatives to the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) assessments. Sources close to the meeting described the atmosphere as tense but professional, with school heads taking extensive notes.

‘Heritage-Based Curriculum Is A Statutory Requirement, Not A Choice’

Government representatives made it abundantly clear that the Heritage-Based Curriculum is not open for debate or negotiation. Minister Moyo emphasised that the policy shift is rooted in law and national development imperatives, not pedagogical preference.

“The transition to a Heritage-Based Curriculum is not merely a pedagogical shift but a necessary statutory requirement aimed at aligning our educational output with national development goals and the preservation of our cultural heritage. All schools are mandated to implement the Heritage-Based Curriculum, ensuring every child, irrespective of the institution they attend, attains a deep understanding of their national identity and the socio-economic aspirations of our nation. The Ministry will issue guidelines on compliance to ensure adherence to the supreme legal framework governing our educational system.”

According to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, training sessions for private school educators on the Heritage-Based Curriculum are scheduled to commence next week. This rapid rollout suggests the government is intent on swift and enforceable implementation.

Mr Abe Gatsi, Chairperson of the Association of Trust Schools, acknowledged receipt of the directive and confirmed that member institutions would cooperate.

“We have noted all that has been stated by the Government and will be working to ensure that we implement.”

Fee Hikes And Admission Policies Under Scrutiny

Beyond the curriculum bombshell, Minister Moyo also turned his attention to the financial and administrative practices of trust schools. Parents struggling with spiralling costs may find some relief in the Government’s latest stance.

“In accordance with the Education Act, Chapter 25:04, no non-government school may increase fees or levies without prior written approval from the Secretary. We are operating under a multi-currency system, and therefore parents should be able to pay in USD, Rand and ZiG.”

This means institutions cannot unilaterally impose fee increases without the Permanent Secretary’s written consent. Parents must be able to pay in United States dollars, South African rand, or Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), and all must be accepted as valid payment methods.

The government also addressed opaque admission and expulsion procedures, warning that arbitrary or unexplained exclusions would not be tolerated. The Ministry signalled its intention to rigorously monitor compliance.