Students fail to get results as school squanders exam fees

A scandal has rocked Knowstics Academy in Nyanga, with allegations emerging that officials at the private school embezzled over US$40,000 in examination fees, leaving several students without their Ordinary Level Cambridge examination results.

In a statement, the school’s management revealed that the British Council had withheld the results due to non-payment of examination fees.

“The purpose of this communique is to advise parents and stakeholders that the British Council has not released the Form Four Cambridge results because the former management of the school appears to have embezzled the examination fees,” the statement read.

The school’s management has been in discussions with the British Council to resolve the matter, but to no avail.

“I have been having meetings with the officials of the British Council and was hoping to resolve the matter…but up to now, I am still waiting to get their final position on the issue regarding the release of the results,” the statement added.

The school has threatened to take legal action to force the British Council to release the results.

“I sought legal advice during the day and depending on the outcome of the deliberations amongst British Council’s officials, I will decide the legal action to take,” the statement read.

The Manicaland Provincial Education Director has launched an investigation into the matter, with the Acting Director, Mr Richard Gabaza, confirming that they received the report on Friday.

“The school is in Mutasa District, and I am based in Mutare, so the District Schools Inspector (DSI) is the one handling the investigation,” he said.

The Primary and Secondary Education Ministry has also confirmed that investigations are underway.

“We’re still monitoring and investigating the situation,” said the Ministry spokesperson, Mr Taungana Ndoro.

This development comes amid revelations that the school has been battling an avalanche of legal suits from disgruntled staffers and service providers since 2023.

The school was recently placed under corporate rescue to revamp its operations and restore its reputation. (Herald)