HARARE, June 17 (NewsDay Live) - Government has approved a 10-day August vacation school programme for all 2026 examination classes and warned schools against exceeding the stipulated period.
According to Circular No. 7 of 2026 dated June 9, 2026 and issued by the Primary and Secondary Education ministry, the vacation school programme for Grade 7, Form 4, and Upper Sixth classes will run from August 7 to 20.
The ministry has ring-fenced two public holidays — Heroes Day on August 11, and Defence Forces Day on August 12 August — during which no lessons may be conducted.
To complete the 10-day requirement, schools may schedule lessons on Saturdays and Sundays if necessary.
Crucially, the circular states that “no holiday school shall be conducted beyond August 20, 2026”.
Only candidates sitting for national examinations this year — Grade 7, Form 4, and Upper Six — are eligible to attend.
To prevent overcharging, the ministry set a cap on fees per subject, with Grade 7 learners expected to pay US$2, Form 4 learners USD$3, and Upper Six learners USD$5, with an option to pay either in US dollars or the ZiG equivalent at the prevailing rate.
Boarding schools have been allowed to levy an additional US$5 per day per learner for upkeep costs.
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Schools have also been ordered to ensure teacher appreciation does not consume more than 50% of the revenue collected, with the balance going towards stationery and administration.
