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.

Pindula News

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

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has reiterated that school fees, be it tuition or boarding, to be paid by Lower Sixth classes should be less than the rest who started classes last month.
Lower Sixth classes start today, Monday 13 February, following the release of Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) O’Level results last week.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/lower-sixth-classes-begin-today/">The Herald</a>, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said Lower Sixth fees for this term will be paid on a pro-rata basis. He said:
<blockquote>
We do not expect any disruptions on reopening and in the learning process.
Schools must take note that since this group is coming in to join others who started on January 9, their fees will be charged on a pro-rata basis.
We don’t want our learners idling around aimlessly and falling victim to social ills like initiation into drug abuse.
In view of that realisation, we have decided that they resume their studies this Monday.
</blockquote>
Ndoro said the ministry’s position was that three subjects are enough for Advanced Level learners and in cases where some see the need then they could go for four.
He also reminded teachers that paid-for extra lessons were illegal but in cases where teachers feel the need for extra lessons, they should include the whole class and should be at no extra cost.

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