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

Forty learners from Knowstics Academy, whose results were withheld by the British Council due to the institution’s failure to pay outstanding examination fees, have finally received their Cambridge Ordinary Level results.
The examination results were withheld after the previous administration failed to remit US$22,000 in exam fees to the British Council.
Chengetai Mujakachi, the British Council’s regional head of communications for Sub-Saharan Africa, confirmed the development to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/new-knowstics-academy-learners-finally-get-cambridge-o-level-results/">The Manica Post</a>. Said Mujakachi:
<blockquote>
We had a productive meeting last Thursday at our offices in Harare, which included the Corporate Rescuer (representing the school), a representative of the parents affected, and our legal teams.
Based on a revised written assurance and a schedule of payment for the settlement of the debt, we have decided to release all pending results.
</blockquote>

Forty students from Knowstics Academy finally received their Cambridge O-Level exam results after they were initially withheld by the British Council due to unpaid fees. The school owed $22,000 in exam fees. The British Council confirmed that after a meeting with the school's Corporate Rescuer and parents, they decided to release the results based on a new payment plan. Now, the students can see how they performed in the exams.

Knowstics Academy Students Finally Receive Withheld Cambridge O-Level Exam Results

More than 40 students from Knowstics Academy who sat for Ordinary Level examinations in 2024 will not be able to join thousands of learners across the country who will start Lower Sixth classes this Monday, as they have not yet received their Cambridge Ordinary Level results.
School authorities allegedly embezzled over US$40,000 in examination fees.
While most learners studying at private schools received their results on time, these 40 students are still awaiting theirs as the British Council is reportedly demanding payment of the examination fees before releasing the results.
The government is trying to engage both parties to resolve the issue, but the process is hindered by the fact that both the school, currently under judicial management, and the examination board are private entities, making it difficult to find a mutually beneficial solution.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo, told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/knowstics-academy-learners-in-limbo-as-lower-sixth-classes-start/">The Herald</a> on Friday that if the dispute had been between ZIMSEC and the school, the ministry could have intervened more swiftly.
The British Council of Zimbabwe has said they will not release the results until the school pays the balance of US$22,000, citing a breach of contract.
When contacted for comment by The Herald on Sunday, the school’s corporate rescue practitioner, Bhudhama Chikamhi, said:
<blockquote>
There is no progress yet regarding the release of results; we are still where we were last time.
</blockquote>
However, Chikamhi said not all 40 students would be stranded, as some had also sat for the ZIMSEC O-level exams and could use those results, giving them alternative options to further their education.

More than 40 students from Knowstics Academy who took exams are still waiting for their results. The school did not pay exam fees, so the British Council won't release the results. The government is trying to help but it's hard because both the school and council are private. The council wants $22,000 before releasing results. Not all students are affected, some can use ZIMSEC results. The situation is not fixed yet.

40 Knowstics Academy Students In Limbo As Lower Sixth Classes Begin

Several Cambridge O-Level candidates at Knowstics Academy in Mutasa had their results withheld because the school failed to pay US$22,000 in exam fees to the British Council.
Acting Manicaland Provincial Education Director (PED), Richard Gabaza confirmed the development to The Manica Post. He said a team has been deployed to investigate the matter.
A circular dated January 16, 2025, addressed to parents and stakeholders, revealed that Knowstics Academy’s corporate rescue practitioner, Bhudhama Chikamhi, initially believed the situation was under control, causing a delay in communication. Part of the circular reads:
<blockquote>
The purpose of this communique is to advise parents and stakeholders that British Council has not released the Form Four Cambridge results due to the fact that the former management of the school appear to have embezzled the examination fees. The examination fees paid by the parents were not remitted to the British Council.
I have been having meetings with the officials of British Council, and was hoping to resolve the matter so that they could release the results today (January 16) at 9am, but we ended up spending the entire day having discussions with the officials, and up to now (11pm), I am still waiting to get their final position regarding release of the results…
The reason for the delay in communicating this matter to the parents and stakeholders was due to the fact that I believed the matter was under control, given that I negotiated the release of the Advanced Level results.
The British Council released the A-Level results and was expecting that they were going to do the same with the O-Level results, especially after we had a long meeting with the officials, after which I subsequently effected a part payment of the outstanding amount.
</blockquote>
The British Council regional head of communications for Sub-Saharan Africa, Chengetai Mujakachi said the school owes the council US$22 000 in outstanding examination fees.

Cambridge O-Level results for students at Knowstics Academy were not given because school didn't pay exam fees of US$22,000. The school's rescue practitioner thought the situation was under control but it wasn't. The British Council didn't release the results because the school didn't pay the fees parents had given. The school was expecting results to be released, but it didn't happen. The British Council is owed US$22,000. Officials are investigating the matter to find a solution.

Cambridge Withholds O-Level Results After Knowstics Academy Fails To Pay Exam Fees

Divine Samuriwo, a 12-year-old boy, skipped Form One after the first term and started homeschooling. 
Just seven months later, he took the Cambridge Ordinary Level exams and passed four out of six subjects.
As reported by <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/genius-12-has-4-o-level-passes-he-dropped-from-his-form-one-class-to-write-o-level-exams-a-few-months-later/">H-Metro</a>, Divine, who will turn 13 this Saturday, skipped Form One after just one term and took the exams in November.
He scored an A in Commerce, Bs in Business Studies, Economics, and Accounts, a D in English, and an E in Maths.
He dreams of becoming a chartered accountant and is currently studying for an ACCA diploma while also doing his Advanced Level studies. Divine said:
<blockquote>
I decided to skip Form One after realising that the route was too long to get to Form Four. With the support of my parents, I then started homeschooling, preparing for the O-Level exams.
I didn’t want some of the subjects which were not in line with my dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant. With the support of my father, mother, teacher, Lesley and Banda, it went very well. I also used video learning as well as using the internet.
To imagine sitting for four years, I said no. Maud (Chifamba) inspired me and I had to invest in homeschooling which paid off.
It was difficult in the first place but, with the support I got I pushed. I only failed Maths and English.
I read six hours per day and I have time to socialise but not as the other kids. I want to be my own boss at some stage after I gain experience at an audit firm.
</blockquote>
Maud Chifamba is a Zimbabwean accountant and academic prodigy who made headlines by becoming the youngest university student in Africa at the age of 14.
Meanwhile, Divine’s mother Pauline, who is a marketing expert, said:
<blockquote>
He comes from a pool of academics and we teased him to also follow in the footsteps of people like Maud Chifamba.
We had to push him to work on his own so that he also became someone who didn’t have to wait for four years to finish Ordinary Level.
He is a resourceful person, he reads a lot of stuff and we support him with more content.
We are happy that he passed because to us it was not a loss since we wanted him to just try it.
</blockquote>
His father Denmark, who is an accountant and a former banker, said:
<blockquote>
He believed in himself after offering him that he could do this. As parents, we saw potential in him and helped him pursue what he wanted.
After the first term, we advised him to drop out of Form One since he was complaining that the subjects were not inclined to his dream.
He is studying for a diploma in ACCA as well as simultaneously doing his A-Level.
We have a culture of reading in our family and he picked it from there but we want him to pursue his dreams with our support.
We believe in knowledge rather than results and I am happy that he managed to score this big. It means he can do better if he reads again.
</blockquote>

Summary:

A 12-year-old Zimbabwean boy named Divine skipped Form One and homeschooled to take Cambridge O-Level exams. He passed four subjects, aiming to be a chartered accountant. With support from his parents and inspiration from a young academic prodigy, he worked hard. His parents, both in the academic field, encouraged his studies. Divine's father gave him the confidence to pursue his dreams. The family values reading and knowledge over results, and they are proud of Divine's achievements, believing he can do even better with continued effort.

12-Year-Old Zimbabwean Boy Passes Four Cambridge O-Level Subjects

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:
<blockquote>
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>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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 Form One learner at Atlantic Academy in Harare, Shalom Zingwe, is set to proceed to Form Five after passing the Cambridge Ordinary Level 2023 examinations aged only 14.
Shalom scored three A grades in Computer Science, Accounting and Economics with Bs in Mathematics, Geography and Business Studies.
Atlantic Academy director, Patience Mufokozana said after consultation with her parents, Shalom would be proceeding to Lower Sixth from Form One. She told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/form-one-girl-14-passes-o-level-exams/">The Herald</a>:
<blockquote>
We agreed that she should proceed to Lower Sixth Form because she passed very well.
Normally, learners take these exams aged 16 or 17 and it’s quite remarkable that she achieved this at only 14.
</blockquote>
Another learner from the school, Kudzaishe Mhaka, took the exams aged only 15 and scored seven A grades in Chemistry, Physics, Accounting, Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology and Geography.
Overall, the school recorded a 95 per cent pass rate.
Meanwhile, Champion College, also in Harare, recorded a 100 per cent pass rate.
The school awarded scholarships to two fraternal twins, Patience (female) and Prosper (male) Muza who excelled in the 2023 Cambridge O Level examinations by scoring distinctions in all their science subjects.
Prosper recorded seven A grades in Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Biology, Accounting, and Geography while Patience scored A grades in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Geography.
Some Zimbabwean learners, especially those enrolled at private colleges, prefer to sit for Cambridge examinations rather than those administered by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) because the former qualifications are accepted and valued by many leading universities and employers around the world.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Form One Learner (14) Excels In Cambridge O' Level Exams, To Proceed To Form Five

19-year-old Arundel School student Jade Jewel Wadyajena scored 15 points in the Advance Level (A’ Level) Cambridge examinations.
Jade, who is the daughter of flamboyant ZANU PF politician and businessman Justice Mayor Wadyajena, wrote History, English Language and Literature in English.
She told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200022083/teenage-girl-excels-in-cambridge-exams">NewsDay</a> that she aspires to be a family lawyer representing the interests and rights of disadvantaged children. Said Jade:
<blockquote>
I have always been single-minded in my aspiration to become a family lawyer, in particular representing the interests and rights of disadvantaged children and young people.
I knew that to qualify for a competitive programme, I would need to have strong A Level results and work on being a well-rounded high achiever, at par with the students at Oxford, Durham, Harvard and other schools of that ilk.
</blockquote>
There is a general perception that the children of Zimbabwean politicians are poor academically because they are spoilt and are always busy flaunting their parents’ riches, but that was not the case with the bright Wadyajena. She said:
<blockquote>
I recognised that coming from a political family was not going to help me in the exam room.
So, I put my head down and focused on my academic and personal development. I was just uncompromising in my determination and I am elated about what I have achieved.
I am indebted to my incredible parents and to the wonderful staff at Arundel School who were exacting, supportive and nurturing.
</blockquote>
During her time at Arundel School last year, Jade won several academic accolades; among them were the Library Shield, the Catherine Stevenson Cup (for perseverance), the History Prize, the English Language Prize and the English Literature Prize.
Jade revealed that her dream is to study Law at Oxford or Durham University. She said:
<blockquote>
This is just the beginning for me, I am hoping to go on to read law at either Oxford or Durham which have superlative undergraduate law programmes.
I am excited about my future and reaching my very highest academic potential — even possibly following in the footsteps of my father who is currently pursuing a PhD. I am certain I will surpass him.
My advice to students studying for major exams is to go beyond what you are taught in the classroom. Be curious and read widely.
But above all else, it is discipline and consistency that ultimately get you over the line.
</blockquote>
Jade had a word of advice for fellow young people, some of whom have fallen into drug and substance abuse. She said:
<blockquote>
My advice to students studying for major exams is to go beyond what you are taught in the classroom.
Be curious and read widely. But above all else, it is discipline and consistency that ultimately get you over the line.
More generally, young people who want to make something of themselves need to stay away from drugs, alcohol and other illicit substances — including the premium stuff which often goes unnoticed.
Here, I implore the authorities to intervene as these two vices are decimating so many young lives.
</blockquote>
Some Zimbabwean learners prefer to sit for Cambridge examinations rather than those administered by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) because the former qualifications are accepted and valued by many leading universities and employers around the world.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Wadyajena's Daughter Excels In A' Level Cambridge Examinations

A 16-year-old girl, Tashinga Angel Muzanenhamo, has scored five A’s at Advanced Level in the just released Cambridge 2023 examination results.
Two years ago, Tashinga made headlines by scoring nine A’s in the Cambridge 2021 Ordinary Level examinations.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/whizz-kid-tashinga-muzanenhamo-shines-in-cambridge-exams-again/">The Herald</a> reported that the teenager scored five A’s in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English Language, with A+ in Biology and English Language.
Tashinga is from Zvishavane, Midlands Province, and attended Secondary Education at Arundel School in Harare.
She wrote O’ Level exams at the age of 14 when most of her age mates were in Form Two.
Late last year she sat for the advanced level exams at 16, again younger than most of her peers.
Tashinga’s academic achievement comes at a time when the Government has been challenging learners to take an interest in Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
In Zimbabwe, the STEM programme was launched in 2016 by then-President Robert Mugabe.
The study of STEM subjects is expected to promote the industrialisation of the economy and also create employment.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Female Learner, Tashinga Muzanenhamo (16) Scores Five A's In Cambridge A-Level Exams

A Zimbabwean social scientist has said it is not necessary for learners to do more than three (3) subjects at Advanced Level (A-Level) adding that there is a need to advise learners on the right combinations.
Dr Hillary Jephat Musarurwa’s remarks after a <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/form-6-students-gets-10as-in-zimsec-exams/">form six student scored 50 points (10 As)</a> in the November 2022 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations. He said:
<blockquote>
I have always argued that it’s not necessary to do more than 3 subjects at A Level. May the kids be correctly advised on the right combination and number of subjects to take.
</blockquote>
Musarurwa who holds a DPhil in Public Administration – Peace Studies from the Durban University of Technology, said schools were now encouraging their learners to do more than three subjects for prestige. He said:
<blockquote>
Prestige amongst school heads. They want to brag on having the most number of As.
</blockquote>
A message from an unidentified official at the University of Zimbabwe’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences was in support of Dr Musarurwa’s reasoning. Read the message:
<blockquote>
Good evening legends. Apologies I am behind on chats but I saw this conversation which I thot of responding to.
UZ does not discriminate against schools, especially the faculty of medicine which I have been part of since 2008. It’s unfortunate that many students who do more than 3 subjects at A level end up including irrelevant subjects to our entry requirements. 
Our requirements are A level passes in Chemistry and any 2 subjects between Maths, Physics, Biology/ Zoology. So besides Chemistry, we count the other best 2 subjects, thus we only consider 3 subjects. So if one does 5 subjects and gets all A’s and a D (2 points) in Chemistry, we don’t see it as 22 points but as 12 points because we consider chemistry first and any other best 2 from the above list. 
So the message is, don’t force your bright students/ children to take up many subjects if they intend to do medicine. This does not increase their chances. Let them concentrate and maximise their efforts on 3 relevant subjects only. In addition, we don’t count mathematics together with Further Maths or Applied Maths/ Pure Maths…. etc, we just consider Maths as 1 one subject. So it’s of no benefit sitting for exams of all variants of maths.
Our intake is about 300/ yr for medicine. If we have a high number of potential students (which has been the case since 2014) we conduct interviews. The interview instrument is to weed out potential delinquencies and those who would have been pushed to do medicine by their parents/ guardians when they don’t really intend to by themselves. We also look at communication skills. This is where some students fall off. Some schools concentrate on bookwork but they don’t groom their students. 
</blockquote>
Others who commented on the matter believed there are many more opportunities created by doing more than 3 subjects, “beyond medicine at UZ.”
Another one said in times like these, learners probably should be doing as much allowing them to change their minds even after qualifying for medicine to follow a more artsy route. They said specialising so early in their journey of learning is probably risky.
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"It's Not Necessary To Do More Than 3 Subjects At A Level" - Dr Musarurwa

Tawananyasha Chipiro, a Zimbabwean student at St George’s College, has attained 5As in the November 2022 Cambridge Advanced Level (A-Level) examinations.
Tawananyasha (Tawa) who describes himself as “a boy, like any other, with dreams and aspirations,” told Pindula News that he did Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Further Mathematics at A-Level.
At Ordinary Level (O’ Level), Tawana did Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, History, Physical Education, English Language, Shona and Combined Science and got As in all the subjects. 
When this reporter asked about his formula for success, Tawa responded:
<blockquote>
There was no formula per se, but I feel it is faith, hard work and consistency.
I would advise anyone, regardless of the year in school, to clearly set what they hope and wish to achieve, and work toward that goal. Every day should be a step toward your goal.
</blockquote>
Tawa who stays in MabelreignI says on a normal day, he gets to school in the morning, spends the greater part of the day there and will be studying and working on projects in the evening.
Without getting into detail, Tawa says he intends to continue with his studies, “so I will see how things work out.”
He said he was under a scholarship and is grateful that God brought many different people who contributed in different ways. He added: 
<blockquote>
A lot of people came into play during my O-Levels. They made the dream work. I would have acknowledged them but I am not sure if they would want that.
</blockquote>
He said the door was still open for those who would to partner with him. 
On challenges he has faced, Tawa said he was also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic like any other learner, but is grateful that he eventually got the results. 
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