Zimbabwe’s top secondary schools are battling for places at the 2026 Old Mutual National High Schools Quiz finals as provincial competitions gather momentum across the country.
The provincial contests got underway on May 29, producing the first qualifiers for the national finals. In Manicaland, Nyanga High School Marist Brothers, Vhengere High School and St Faith’s High School secured places. Masvingo’s representatives are St Anthony’s High School, Pamushana High School and Zimuto High School, while Matabeleland South will be represented by St Mary’s High School (Beitbridge), Mtshabezi High School and Fountain College.
Competition now shifts to the remaining seven provinces. Mashonaland Central will compete at Bradley High School on June 5, while Matabeleland North hosts its contest at Gebhuza High School in Hwange and Mashonaland East at Waddilove High School in Marondera.
On June 12, provincial finals will be held at Montrose High School in Bulawayo, Anderson High School in Gweru for Midlands, and Chikangwe High School in Karoi for Mashonaland West. Harare’s provincial final is scheduled for June 19 at Prince Edward School.
This year’s competition follows a strong 2025 edition that attracted more than 326 schools at zonal level before progressing through provincial and national stages. Marist Brothers Nyanga won a fourth consecutive national title, ahead of St Anthony’s High School, Pamushana High School and Fletcher High School.
Established in 1983, the Old Mutual National High Schools Quiz has become one of Zimbabwe’s longest-running academic competitions, promoting excellence in knowledge, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership.
Beyond the contest itself, participants benefit from financial literacy training, career guidance, mentorship programmes and awareness campaigns on social issues, including drug and substance abuse.
“Beyond competition, this initiative is about empowering young people with knowledge, confidence and exposure that can positively shape their futures,” said Old Mutual Zimbabwe Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive, Lillian Mbayiwa
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As provincial contests continue, schools across Zimbabwe are competing not only for honours but also for a place among the country’s academic elite at the national finals.
