ZIMSEC’s 2025 O-Level Results Records Highest Pass Rate Since 1980
Zimbabwe’s education sector has recorded a major milestone after the 2025 Ordinary Level examinations produced the strongest results since independence in 1980.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo confirmed that the national pass rate rose to 35,26 percent, surpassing last year’s 33,19 percent and marking the highest performance in more than four decades.
Also Read: ZIMSEC 2025 O’ Level Results Now Out
Minister Applauds Learners and Teachers
Speaking in an interview, Minister Moyo praised both candidates and educators for contributing to the historic achievement. He said the improved results demonstrate steady progress driven by targeted reforms within the education system.
The minister noted that the upward trend reflects renewed emphasis on effective teaching methods and learner support, adding that the Government is now setting its sights on increasing the national pass rate to 50 percent in the coming years.
Curriculum Shift Driving Improved Outcomes
Education authorities attribute part of the success to the Heritage-Based Curriculum Framework (2024–2030), which prioritises practical skills, innovation, entrepreneurship and national values such as Ubuntu. The framework aims to move learners away from memorisation-based learning toward real-world problem-solving and employable competencies.
Under the new approach, students are being prepared for self-reliance, economic participation and lifelong learning.
Investment in Teachers and Digital Learning
The Government has also stepped up efforts to strengthen the education system through expanded teacher training programmes, enhanced continuous assessment models and increased deployment of ICT infrastructure.
Digital learning tools have been rolled out in many rural and marginalised communities, while partnerships with development organisations have helped improve access to textbooks, learning materials and school facilities.
Female Candidates Outperform Males
Announcing the results, Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) board chairperson Professor Paul Mapfumo said overall performance improved across most categories, with female candidates once again leading.
Female learners achieved a 36,31 percent pass rate compared to 34,09 percent for males. Out of more than 162 000 female candidates, over 40 000 attained at least five subjects at Grade C or better. Among male candidates, 33 752 reached the same benchmark.
Candidate Numbers Continue to Rise
A total of 302 066 candidates sat for the November 2025 examinations, representing a 3,68 percent increase from the previous year. Of those, 73 978 candidates achieved five or more subjects with a Grade C or better.
School candidates recorded a 35,62 percent pass rate, while private candidates also showed marked improvement, rising to 33,39 percent from 29,60 percent in 2024.
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