3% O’ Level pass rate sparks outcry

ZIMBABWE’S major teachers’ unions have raised concern after the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) recorded a 3% national pass rate in the June 2026 Ordinary Level examinations, saying the results point to persistent weaknesses in the country’s education system.

The pass rate fell from 5,8% in June 2025 and remains below the double-digit rates recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the June examinations are largely taken by private candidates, repeaters and students resitting failed subjects, teachers’ unions and education experts said the outcome reflected broader challenges, including chronic underfunding, low teacher pay, weak oversight of private learning institutions and inadequate learner support.

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