Mthulisi Nxumalo

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has authorized schools to hold vacation lessons for Grade 7, Form Four, and Upper Six examination classes during the August school holidays.

According to Secretary’s Circular Number 7 of 2026, the lessons will take place from August 7 to August 20, covering a maximum of 10 working days.

The circular, signed by Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Moses Mhike, on June 9, states that these vacation classes aim to help examination candidates prepare for their upcoming exams and cover essential syllabus content.

However, schools are not permitted to conduct lessons on August 11 and 12 due to the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays.

Schools may utilize Saturdays, Sundays, or both for the lessons, based on their worship schedule, as long as the 10-day program is completed within the authorized period.

“No holiday school will be allowed beyond August 20, 2026,” according to the circular.

Primary schools will charge US$2 per Learning Area for each Grade 7 pupil, or the equivalent in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). Secondary schools will charge US$3 per Learning Area for Form Four pupils and US$5 per Learning Area for Upper Six pupils. Additionally, boarding pupils will incur an extra charge of US$5 per day for upkeep during the vacation school.

The Ministry has warned against charging fees exceeding the specified amounts. Parents and guardians must receive receipts when making payments, and schools are required to maintain accurate financial records for auditing purposes.

The circular further stipulates that funds collected from vacation lessons (excluding boarding expenses) must be allocated according to designated percentages: 30% for utilities and stationery, 20% for administration, and 50% for teacher appreciation.

The vacation school program must be closely supervised and monitored by the Inspectorate in collaboration with District Literacy Coordinators and Remedial Tutors, under the oversight of the Chief Director of Provincial Education Services. Schools must submit reports on the vacation school program by August 31.

Students are required to wear their school uniforms during the lessons, while teachers are expected to dress appropriately. Schools are also encouraged to engage parents and guardians to ensure that all candidates benefit from the program.

The circular emphasized that the vacation school program is part of efforts to improve student performance and ensure candidates make significant progress with their syllabuses before examinations. Additionally, it stressed the importance of candidates completing and submitting their Continuous Assessment activities on time.

All candidates must have their school-based project marks moderated within the required timeframe, as guided by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC), to receive their full results.
The Ministry announced that the third term of the 2026 school year will run from September 8 to December 3.

The circular also noted that the Ministry’s annual school calendar is structured to provide pupils with time to rest while allowing teachers to prepare adequately for the upcoming term.
It stated that vacation school should be implemented only when necessary to support examination classes facing challenges in syllabus coverage.