The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has called on the government to mandate a single examination board for both Ordinary and Advanced Level students.
The union contends that the current system, which features two separate examination boards, is exacerbating inequalities among learners.
In Zimbabwe, candidates for O’ Level and A’ Level exams can choose between the Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) and Cambridge examinations, with the majority opting for ZIMSEC due to the high costs associated with Cambridge exams.
ARTUZ argues that the distinction between the two boards has led to a disparity, with some learners benefiting from the prestige of the Cambridge examinations, thereby undermining the principle of equality in education. The union said:
<blockquote>
ARTUZ reiterates its demand for a single examination board that serves all candidates, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The current system, which favours elites who can afford Cambridge examinations, is discriminatory and perpetuates inequality.
It is deeply concerning that duty bearers, including government officials, continue to neglect ZIMSEC while their own children sit for Cambridge examinations.
</blockquote>
ARTUZ lamented the chronic underfunding of ZIMSEC and called for the government to urgently allocate the necessary resources.
The union also criticized ZIMSEC’s high fees for private candidates, deeming them unjust and exploitative.
It warned that the excessive funds collected from private candidates could be lost to corruption, further eroding the integrity of the examination system.
The 2025 examination fee for Ordinary Level (per subject) is set at US$24 in total. Candidates in public schools, local authority schools, and non-profit mission schools will pay a USD portion of US$11, while the government will subsidize US$13. Private schools, colleges, and private candidates will not benefit from the government subsidy and will be required to pay the full US$24 per subject.
For Advanced Level (per subject), the 2025 examination fee is US$48. Candidates in public schools, local authority schools, and non-profit mission schools will pay a USD portion of US$22, with the government subsidizing US$26. Private schools, colleges, and private candidates will not receive the government subsidy and will pay the full US$48 per subject.

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ARTUZ wants one test board for all O' and A' Level students to be fair. Right now, some students take more expensive exams and it's not fair. They want the government to give more money to the test board so fees can be lower for everyone. The union thinks it's unfair that some students have to pay more for exams and wants things to change. They say government officials should care more about the cheaper test board and stop ignoring it.

ARTUZ Calls For Single Examination Board For O' And A' Level Students To Reduce Inequality

Nyanga South legislator Supa Mandiwanzira (ZANU PF) has proposed that the Zimbabwean government tax Cambridge examination fees, arguing that Cambridge University profits without investing in the country, <a href="https://openparly.com/zimbabwe-should-tax-cambridge-examination-fees-mandiwanzira/">reported OpenParly</a>.
Zimbabwe relied on Cambridge University for national examinations from independence until around 1995, when the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) took over.
Despite ZIMSEC’s establishment, many Zimbabwean parents still prefer Cambridge examinations to improve their children’s prospects for international education.
Mandiwanzira, also a ZANU PF Politburo member, said Cambridge University has earned billions of dollars from Zimbabwean students over the years and should be taxed.
During the 2025 National Budget debate in the National Assembly, Mandiwanzira argued that taxing Cambridge could generate revenue for the Treasury, reducing the need to increase the budget for the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development. He said:
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Since independence in 1980 until now, Zimbabweans have paid examination fees of varying amounts in USD to Cambridge University.
I have not heard in my entire life where Cambridge University has assisted in building schools here because they feed out of the investment by the government.
I think we need to find a way of funding our education ministries from funds that have gone to Cambridge.
We need to find a way either to tax these funds or prick their conscience to say you have lured billions of dollars since independence in 1980.
I have not heard where Cambridge University has offered scholarships to Zimbabweans because they benefit by getting exam fees from thousands of Zimbabweans.
I am sure if we do calculations of how much has been paid in examination fees to Cambridge University in the UK, it will run into billions of USD. So, my suggestion is perhaps in the taxing…
</blockquote>
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A lawmaker in Zimbabwe wants to tax the fees students pay for Cambridge exams because he thinks Cambridge University makes a lot of money from Zimbabwe but doesn't give back to the country. Many parents prefer Cambridge exams for their children. The lawmaker says taxing Cambridge could give the government more money for education. He thinks Cambridge has made billions from Zimbabwean students since 1980. He wants to find a way to tax that money or convince Cambridge to help Zimbabwe more. The government used to rely on Cambridge for exams, but now uses ZIMSEC.

ZANU PF MP Proposes Tax On Cambridge Exam Fees

A learner at a school in Gutu District, Masvingo Province, has received an Outstanding Cambridge Learner’s Award after being adjudged the examination board’s 7th best Geography student in the World.
Hezel Chitsinde, a learner at Utsinda Christian College near Mpandawana in Gutu is Cambridge’s best Geography student for Africa and Zimbabwe after sitting for the Ordinary Level November 2022 examinations.
Hezel scored an A+ in Geography, Christian College deputy principal Martha Mukomondera confirmed to <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/utsinda-whiz-kid-is-africas-best-geography-student/">The Mirror</a>. She said:
<blockquote>
Hezel is a hardworking student and deserves the award. Her success is born out of hard work and the school’s mission to strive for the best.
I encourage other students to follow in her footsteps because all we want is to excel.
</blockquote>
Hezel received her prestigious award at a function held at a Harare hotel on Wednesday.
The prize was handed over by Cambridge Country director Ronald Davies.
She obtained four A+ in Economics, Geography, Business Studies and History, and four As in Combined Science, English Language, Mathematics and Shona.
Hezel, who is a former Junior Member of Parliament (MP) for Gutu North, is now doing Lower Sixth at the same school studying Mathematics, Economics and Business Studies.
Utsinda College is a boarding school run by Professor Rangarirai Masanganise.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Whiz Kid Is Africa’s Best Geography Student

A learner at Masiyephambili College scored the highest mark in Food and Nutrition in the Cambridge Ordinary Level November 2021 examinations.
Unathi Viki, a Lower Sixth Sciences learner scored ninety-nine (99) per cent, becoming the second learner at the school to receive such an award.
<a class="author-name tie-icon" href="https://cite.org.zw/author/senzeni/" title="Senzeni Ncube">Senzeni Ncube,</a> a journalist with <a class="author-name tie-icon" href="https://cite.org.zw/masiyephambili-learner-tops-cambridge-world-rankings/" title="Senzeni Ncube">CITE,</a> reports that Viki also scored six A stars in subjects such as Maths, Chemistry, and Physics among other subjects.
Speaking during a ceremony to hand over a certificate of appreciation the school head, Dr Kesiwe Phuthi said:
<blockquote>
We are here today to celebrate a great day, our student Unathi Viki got the top of the World award in food and nutrition, we are very humbled to have won this Cambridge award.
We look forward to greater things happening especially for Unathi our student and many other students.
Besides the food and nutrition award that she got, Unathi scored six A stars at O’ Levels which is a great achievement indeed.
</blockquote>
The Vice-chairman of the board of the Masiyephambili group of schools, junior and college, Babongile Sitshoni, said:
<blockquote>
We are very much elated with what has happened, we received the award for Unathi Viki who was the best in food and nutrition in the whole World Cambridge O’Level examinations that she did.
The World is inhabited by almost eight billion people and it’s outstanding that a student achieved the best results among every human being in the World whether they wrote or didn’t write in whatever circumstances but Unathi made us proud as Masiyephambili.
We would like to also thank the parents of Unathi, the parents have entrusted us with all their kids from junior right up to the College school and Unathi is the second child to be with us and the results that she has achieved mean the trust that she has in us, we have also reciprocated back and as the school, the teachers have cultivated the young mind.
</blockquote>
Sitshoni exhorted other children to emulate what Unathi did so that the school continues churning out outstanding results.
The school board has promised to pay Unathi’s Cambridge Advanced Level examinations fees next year.
Meanwhile, Unathi’s mother, Nyaradzo Viki, said her daughter had raised Zimbabwe’s flag high. She said:
<blockquote>
I am so happy about the achievement she has made, getting on top of the World means a lot to the family, the school, and the country.
I would like to thank her for raising the flag so high, the Masiyephambili flag, the Viki flag, and the Zimbabwean flag.
</blockquote>
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Zimbabwean O' Level Student Tops Cambridge World Rankings

Cambridge has announced that they have cancelled IGSCE and AS A-Level June examinations for this year in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Please note this does not yet affect the October/November examinations.
We present Cambridge’s full statement on International examinations below.
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">The situation with the Covid-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. In recent days, many more countries have decided to extend school closures into May and June, making it impossible for many of our schools to hold examinations.
We have been consulting closely with our global community of schools, who need as much certainty as possible at an uncertain time. Our priority is to protect the safety and wellbeing of our students and teachers, ensure fairness for all our students and support them in continuing with their education.
Today, therefore, we have taken the difficult decision not to run our international examinations in the May/June 2020 series in any country. This includes Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International AS &amp; A Level, Cambridge AICE Diploma and Cambridge Pre-U.
We recognise that students have been working very hard towards these exams. We will be working with schools to assess students’ achievements using the best available evidence. Students will receive a grade and a certificate from Cambridge International, given the knowledge and skills they have acquired in their programmes of study. This will ensure students do not face disadvantage as a result of these extraordinary circumstances.
We will provide guidance to schools on how students will receive those grades. We are talking to universities worldwide, and they are factoring these unprecedented circumstances into admissions decisions, so students can continue with their education journeys as soon as possible.
We are also aware of the impact the situation may have on student motivation and learning. Many of our schools are working hard to deliver teaching online to support their students’ learning. We will continue to offer a wide range of support and resources for schools, teachers and students on our dedicated pages on our website.
We will provide an update for schools on Thursday 26 March and as regularly as possible. We know that schools will need clear guidance very soon, and we are working around the clock on how to deliver valuable outcomes to students in the many countries where we work.</blockquote>
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FULL TEXT: Cambridge Cancels IGSCE And AS A-Level June International Examinations Over Covid-19 Outbreak

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) released the results for the Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level yesterday.  Candidates may collect the results from their centres. While the majority of Zimbabwean students sit for Zimsec Examinations, some are now preferring to write CIE due to perceived credibility issues with Zimsec.

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