The Zimbabwean government plans to introduce a single examination board for Ordinary and Advanced Level students starting in 2027, a move aimed at improving fa...
The Zimbabwean government plans to introduce a single examination board for Ordinary and Advanced Level students starting in 2027, a move aimed at improving fairness, standardisation and quality across the education system.
Under the proposal, the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) will become the main authority responsible for all O-Level and A-Level examinations. This would effectively reduce reliance on parallel systems currently offered alongside international boards such as Cambridge Assessment International Education.
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Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo said the reform is designed to address long-standing inequalities in the education sector. He noted that the current dual system has created gaps between learners, largely influenced by financial capacity.
The government argues that students who can afford international examinations often have perceived advantages, while others rely on the national system. The new policy is expected to create a more equal platform for all learners, regardless of background.
Minister Moyo said schools that wish to continue offering Cambridge examinations, either on their own or alongside ZIMSEC, will need to apply for approval and provide strong justification. This measure is intended to regulate the system and ensure consistency in standards.
The proposal aligns with global education practices where countries use unified examination frameworks. Officials pointed to the United Kingdom as an example, where national systems help maintain consistent assessment standards across schools.
Education experts say a single examination authority could improve trust in the national system and simplify university entry requirements. Similar reforms in other countries have been used to strengthen curriculum alignment and reduce disparities between schools. Reports from organizations such as UNESCO have previously highlighted the importance of equitable assessment systems in developing countries.
However, the proposal has received mixed reactions from parents and guardians. Some support the move, saying it will create fairness and strengthen confidence in Zimbabwe’s education system.
Others have raised concerns about limiting choice. They argue that parents should be able to decide which examination system best suits their children, especially for those seeking international opportunities.
The reform is part of broader changes being introduced in the education sector. Earlier this year, the government implemented subject limits, capping O-Level students at a maximum of nine subjects and A-Level students at three, in line with the Heritage-Based Curriculum.
Officials say these measures are meant to encourage focused learning and improve academic outcomes. By reducing subject overload, the government expects students to perform better and gain deeper understanding in fewer areas.
If implemented successfully, the single examination board policy is expected to improve consistency, fairness and inclusivity in Zimbabwe’s education system, while strengthening the role of ZIMSEC as the central authority.
