Government Orders Current Form 3 And Lower 6 Cambridge Learners To Sit ZIMSEC Exams In 2027
The government has ordered that current Form 3 and Lower 6 learners following the Cambridge curriculum will sit ZIMSEC examinations in 2027, as authorities move to make the national exams body compulsory for all schools.
The directive, clarified on May 5, 2026, directly affects learners already on the Cambridge pathway. Officials say the transition has been structured to avoid disadvantaging those nearing their final examination years.
Current Learners Given Clear 2027 Pathway
Introducing the position, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Mr Taungana Ndoro, explained how the change will apply to those already 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.
His remarks confirm that Form 3 learners will write ZIMSEC O Levels, while Lower 6 learners will sit ZIMSEC A Levels when they reach their exam stage.
Officials stressed that the transition is timed to align with learners’ academic progression, rather than forcing an immediate switch mid-course.
ZIMSEC To Become Mandatory For All Schools
Authorities also made it clear that the shift goes beyond current learners, with full compliance expected across the education sector after 2027.
Mr Ndoro said the directive, announced by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Torerayi Moyo, leaves no room for optional participation.
“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.
He added that the move is grounded in law.
“This is not a policy choice; it is a constitutional and legal imperative grounded in the Education Act. Section 63 mandates a single national curriculum, which can only be assessed with integrity by a single national examinations board,” Mr Ndoro said.
Regulations under Section 69 of the same Act empower the Minister to enforce compliance across all schools.
Cambridge Exams Allowed Under Strict Conditions
While ZIMSEC becomes the primary examination route, authorities confirmed that Cambridge examinations will not be entirely removed.
However, schools wishing to offer both systems must apply and justify their position.
“Any school that wishes to offer Cambridge examinations alongside ZIMSEC must submit a formal application with compelling justification, demonstrating how learners will manage both syllabi without compromising performance on the national assessment,” Mr Ndoro said.
Officials say the reform is intended to standardise assessment and address disparities in the education system.
“This reform dismantles a long-standing, unjust two-tier system that has falsely divided our children along socio-economic lines,” he said.
“National qualifications have been wrongly perceived as inferior to international ones — a fallacy the Government can no longer entertain.”
The Government also noted that ZIMSEC qualifications are recognised by universities and employers, and the reform aligns with the Heritage-Based Curriculum and Vision 2030.
Stakeholders across the education sector have been urged to support the transition ahead of the 2027 deadline.
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