Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has adjusted vacation school dates for examination classes and introduced standardised fees for the August 2025 holiday as part of efforts to balance syllabus coverage with affordability for parents.
In a circular issued by Permanent Secretary Mr Moses Mhike, the ministry granted authority for schools to conduct holiday lessons exclusively for Grade 7, Form Four and Upper Six candidates between August 8 and 21, 2025.
The lessons will not be conducted on Heroes and Defence Forces Day, but schools may use weekends to complete the authorised 10-day schedule.
“The design of the annual school calendar takes into consideration the need for pupils to rest and enjoy the balance between study and play.
“However, we recognise that schools have different challenges that may have affected their syllabus coverage and necessitated the conduct of vacation school for examination classes,” said Mr Mhike.
Under the new framework, primary schools will charge US$2 per learning area for Grade 7 pupils, while secondary schools will charge US$3 per learning area for Form Fours and US$5 for Upper Six, payable in United States dollars or the equivalent in Zimbabwe Gold currency.
Boarding pupils will pay an additional US$5 per day for upkeep.
Mr Mhike said the adjustments were designed to prevent rising costs for disadvantaged learners who need extra support.
“All must be cognisant of the need to prevent the ever-escalating cost of teaching and learning for parents, particularly in view of the disadvantaged pupils who otherwise would not benefit from extra support,” he said.
The ministry also directed that vacation schools be fully supervised by the Inspectorate, District Literacy Coordinators and Remedial Tutors, with pupils attending in full uniform and teachers observing professional dress standards.
Collected funds, excluding boarding expenses, must be distributed as follows: 30 percent for utilities and stationery, 20 percent for administration and 50 percent for teacher appreciation.
Mr Mhike said the programme seeks to enhance exam preparedness.
“The Ministry looks forward to improving pupil performance through the running of the vacation school as it will offer a focused environment for candidates to prepare for their upcoming examinations.”
