Schools Must Apply To Offer Cambridge As ZIMSEC Becomes Mandatory From 2027
Zimbabwe’s Education Minister Torerayi Moyo has declared that schools wishing to offer Cambridge examinations alongside ZIMSEC will now have to apply for permission and justify their decision, as the Government moves to enforce a single national examination system from 2027.
The directive, announced on 1 May 2026, reinforces a broader policy shift requiring all schools — including private institutions — to register learners for Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations as a compulsory standard.
Government Pushes One National Examination System
Speaking through his official X account, Minister Moyo outlined the Government’s position in firm terms, stating that the era of parallel examination systems is coming to an end.
He said:
“From 2027, Zimbabwe will require every school without exception to register its learners for ZIMSEC examinations. The era of parallel foreign examination systems operating outside our national framework is over.”
The Minister stressed that the policy is not optional and applies to all schools across the country.
“It’s mandatory for all students to write ZIMSEC… This is not negotiable. Government policy is unambiguous — comply or fall out of step with the direction this Republic is moving.”
This announcement follows earlier remarks made during a Senate session on 1 May 2026, where the Minister indicated that the move is grounded in the Constitution and existing education laws.
“The law says there must be one curriculum… In 2027, every school must be offering Zimbabwe School Examination Council examinations,” he said.
Cambridge Exams Allowed — But With Strict Conditions
While the Government has not banned Cambridge examinations, it has introduced new restrictions that will require schools to seek approval before offering them.
Minister Moyo explained:
“Schools wishing to offer both ZIMSEC and Cambridge should apply for permission to do so provided there is justification for it.”
He added during the Senate session:
“If they think their students are bright… they can offer both Cambridge and ZIMSEC, but they must justify how they are going to achieve it.”
This effectively means Cambridge examinations will no longer operate as a standalone alternative but as an additional qualification, subject to Government approval.
The position aligns with earlier statements made on 12 February 2026 during a meeting with the Association of Trust Schools, where the Minister emphasised that international examinations must not replace national standards.
“The choice to sit for international examinations should serve as an addition to, not a replacement of, the national standard.”
Heritage-Based Curriculum At The Centre
The policy is part of a wider push to enforce Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum across all schools, including private institutions.
Minister Moyo has repeatedly raised concerns about gaps in local content, particularly in subjects such as history and indigenous languages.
During a Senate session on 26 February 2026, he said:
“Many schools no longer teach the history of Zimbabwe — where we came from and where we are going.”
He also highlighted concerns over language instruction:
“Our indigenous languages such as Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga, Shangani and Tonga are not taught in many schools.”
Authorities say the reforms are designed to ensure that all learners, regardless of their school, are assessed under a common national framework while remaining grounded in Zimbabwe’s identity.
The Government maintains that the move is about standardisation and equal recognition.
“We are building one education system. One standard. One Zimbabwe,” Minister Moyo said.
The post Schools Must Apply For Permission To Write Cambridge And Provide Justification: Education Minister appeared first on iHarare News.
