Government to honour high performing schools, a recognition similar to South Africa’s National Education Excellence Awards
The government has announced that it will be rewarding schools that produced excellent results in the just-released Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) and Cambridge 2025 examinations.
ZIMSEC recorded an increase in the pass rate for both Ordinary and Advanced Levels, with figures of 35.26% and 95.75% respectively, up from 33.12% for both levels in 2024.
The Grade 7 pass rate slightly decreased from 49.01% in 2024 to 48.49% in 2025.
Posting on X, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, said the top 10 schools in each province will be rewarded by his ministry.
“I am pleased to announce a new national initiative aimed at promoting and rewarding academic excellence across our Education system. As part of this initiative, my Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will recognise and award the Top 10 best-performing schools in each province.
“This will be based on their 2025 pass rates at Grade 7, Ordinary and Advanced Levels. This recognition is a celebration of high-performing schools that have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic achievement and the holistic development of learners in the provision of equitable, inclusive and quality education in line with SDG 4,” said Moyo.
The Government’s planned recognition of schools is similar to the National Education Excellence Awards that are rolled out in South Africa by the country’s Department of Education.
The increase in the O-Level and A-Level pass rates and the subsequent planned rewards by the Government come against the backdrop of teachers being disgruntled over salaries, which they argue have been eroded by the economic challenges gripping the country.
They have on numerous occasions threatened to down tools, demanding a salary of at least US$500 a month.
Moyo also appealed for assistance in seeing off the inaugural awards ceremony, which is slated for March 20.
“In addition, we’ll also identify the top 5 best performing schools in the 2025 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council and Cambridge examinations and reward them accordingly on 20 March 2026.
“Such schools will serve as beacons of excellence and inspiration for others across the entire country, setting a benchmark for quality education and academic performance.
“I extend a heartfelt invitation to all individuals, well-wishers, corporates and development partners who wish to support this noble initiative. We welcome sponsorships, awards, grants and any other forms of assistance in order to motivate our hard-working teachers and headmasters. All those wishing to extend a kind gesture may contact the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Head Office) through our official communication channels,” he said further.