Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa-Herald Reporter
SANDRINGHAM High School has achieved an unprecedented academic milestone, recording a flawless 100 percent pass rate across all 18 Advanced Level learning areas, with the majority of candidates scoring 15 points and above.
The achievement, which is described as a product of discipline, innovation, and strong partnerships has drawn trust in the Methodist Church institution.
Sandringham Headmaster Mr Tinashe Manhera attributed the success to strict discipline and learners’ effective study routines.
He said innovative monitoring systems kept learners engaged from Form One to Upper Six.
“For the first time, everything that was written was passed.
The administration block
“Discipline is the first thing and without it, learners become complacent,” said Mr Manhera
Out of the 70 candidates who sat for the examinations, an extraordinary 60 scored 15 points and above, with 25 of them attaining 20 points, underscoring Sandringham’s culture of academic excellence.
He emphasised that the school embraces the President’s vision by ensuring that no learner is left behind.
“We really align with the President’s vision because we don’t leave anyone behind.
“That vision is very clear and I think it is very progressive because it benefits everyone,” he said.
Sandringham accommodates learners with physical challenges and albinism, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity.
“We have two learners with disability here, physically challenged,” said Mr Manhera.
“We have one student with albinism.
Mr Manhera (right) with Chess Gold medallist Eleanor Kagande.
Mr Manhera said the school admits non-readers alongside high achievers, reflecting its mission to uplift every child.
“We do not just recruit the six-pointers only. We have some non-readers.”
Mr Manhera said the school provides a diverse meal plan that includes foods rarely offered in other institutions.
“There are a number of other meals that most schools do not normally give, like sausages, ice cream, for example, at times cornflakes.
“These are some of the things that you may not get from some schools,” he said.
Mr Manhera said learners are guaranteed meat every day, complemented by vegetables and beans at lunch.
“The unique aspect is that every day there is meat, in one way or the other.
The school bakes its own bread.
“During the day, their lunches are either we serve vegetables, beans, or something else — mince meat or so.”
Responding to student requests, he said the school serves heavier evening meals to sustain learners overnight.
“They have four meals a day.”
School Development Committee (SDC) Chairperson Ms Mikiwe Malenzi emphasised reliable power for classes, dining and study facilities.
“As SDC, we played a major role in putting up solar systems for our classes, dining hall and study room.
2025 Student cabinet president Rayton Nyambara (right) and vice president Taurai Gazhawa.
“We also drilled a borehole to provide water to sustain the students during dry season,” she said.
Ms Malenzi said stable internet connections were established to strengthen ICT education for learners.
“We have put internet connections so that our students have stable ICT education.
“We work well with our staff, motivating them with the produce from our poultry projects,” she said.
Sandringham Principal Reverend Morris Chiwundura said: “As a church, we do not leave anyone behind, we pray with and for the students.
“We have embraced the President’s vision and Government’s Education 5.0 to empower our students.”
The school bus.
Rev Chiwundura said that the Chaplain’s office plays a vital role in guiding and monitoring student behaviour.
“We have the office of the Chaplain which monitors students’ behaviour. It ensures that learners are not only academically focused, but also disciplined in their daily conduct.”
“The Chaplain’s presence reinforces values and accountability and the office provides a moral compass that complements the academic journey,” said Rev Chiwundura.
He said the school nurtures spiritual and academic growth through Methodist Schools Conventions, which include Bible quizzes and alumni involvement.
“We have Methodist Schools Convention which has Bible quizzes and activities that strengthen both faith and intellectual engagement among our learners.
“It also brings engagement with old students with alumni participation inspiring current learners.”
Sandringham basketball team and coaches.
He said the institution aligns its operations with national priorities, ensuring education supports broader developmental objectives.
“We align ourselves with the national developmental goals. This means our programmes are designed to contribute directly to the country’s vision for progress.
“Every initiative we undertake is measured against how well it supports national development and inclusivity,” said Rev Chiwundura.
Deputy Head Richard Nyamai emphasised the school’s excellence in mathematics, saying that nearly all candidates in Pure Mathematics achieved top grades, reflecting the strength of specialised teaching.
“Out of 50 learners who sat for A-Level Pure Mathematics, 47 had A’s and only three had B’s.
Junior class during a lesson.
“This milestone achievement shows that whichever pathway learners choose, the possibility of passing is very high,” he said.
Partners such as Glow Petroleum were praised for stepping in to support learners financially, ensuring that gifted students are not left behind due to economic challenges.
“We have a lot of projects that give us food such as pig farming, bee-keeping, just to mention a few.
“These projects enable the school to keep running even in the absence of students,” he said.
The school’s tennis team.
One of the students who attained 35 points, Bernard Furidzo, said his success was not due to natural talent but the product of hard work.
“This is the result of hard work and team work,” he said, saying that consistent effort and collaboration were the foundation of his achievements.
“Nothing comes easy in life and I’m reminding my fellow students that every milestone requires sacrifice and determination,” he said.
“The sky is always the limit, I refused to confine myself to four subjects and instead embraced new challenges.
“This only gave me the push I needed and I was determined to get high grades.”
Mr Chatunga (right) with Chess winner Emmanuel Uriga.
Another learner, Alec Ngondo, who attained 20 points expressed deep gratitude to the staff and school leadership for their support and guidance.
“To our amazing staff, thank you for your unwavering support and guidance throughout.
“To our esteemed school head, Mr Manhera, thank you for creating an environment that fosters innovation and growth,” he said.
