Govt Warns Private Schools Against Withholding ZIMSEC Results

Even private schools can’t withhold Zimsec results over unpaid fees: Govt

The Government has reiterated that even private schools cannot withhold Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) results over unpaid fees.

Minister speaks in Senate

Speaking in the Senate during a Question and Answer session on Thursday, 21 August 2025, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo made the Government’s position clear.

He said:

“It is illegal for any school, including private institutions, to withhold examination results because of unpaid fees. All candidates are entitled to receive their results without restriction.”

Minister Moyo further explained that this directive was not new and had already been tested in the courts.

“There are precedents where private schools have taken the matter to court and lost. The law is very clear. Results cannot be used as a debt collection tool,” he told senators.

Severe consequences for violators

The Minister warned that any institution found disregarding this order would face serious penalties.

He emphasised:

“Schools that violate this policy will face severe consequences. We will not tolerate the practice of denying learners access to their results.”

Minister Moyo also pointed out that students had a constitutional right to access their academic records. He said financial matters should be pursued through proper legal channels, not through the withholding of results.

“We encourage schools to use the courts or other lawful debt recovery methods. Punishing learners for the inability of parents or guardians to settle fees is unacceptable,” said the Minister.

Previous court rulings cited

The clarification comes after repeated reports of schools, especially private institutions, attempting to hold on to results as leverage over parents.

Minister Moyo reminded legislators that courts had already ruled against such practices in earlier disputes.

“We must not forget that judgments have been handed down in favour of the learners. Schools cannot go against what has already been established by law,” he noted.

As the 2025 ZIMSEC examinations draw near, the Government has once again assured learners that their right to education and certification will be protected regardless of financial disputes.