Govt Approves August Vacation School For Grade 7, Form Four And Upper Six

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has allowed schools across the country to conduct vacation lessons during the August 2026 holiday for examination classes, namely Grade 7, Form Four and Upper Six.

The directive is contained in Secretary’s Circular Number 7 of 2026 issued to Chief Directors, Provincial Education Directors, District Schools Inspectors, heads of primary and secondary schools, church education secretaries and teacher associations, among others.

In the circular, the Ministry said the design of the annual school calendar takes into account the need for pupils to rest and enjoy a balance between study and play, as well as the time parents need to organise resources for the upcoming term. It added that holidays are also meant to give teachers time to rest from their demanding duties.

The vacation school will run from 7 to 20 August, covering ten working days. Schools have been directed to observe Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day on 11 and 12 August and not to schedule lessons on those public holidays.

To make up for the lost days, schools may utilise a Saturday, a Sunday, or both, depending on their day of worship, but no lessons will be permitted beyond 20 August.

On fees, the Ministry has set a uniform structure. Primary schools will charge US$2 per learning area per Grade 7 pupil, while secondary schools will charge US$3 per learning area for Form Four and US$5 per learning area for Upper Six, or the equivalent at the bank rate in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency.

Boarders will pay an additional US$5 per day for upkeep. Schools have been warned not to charge anything above the stipulated amounts.

The Ministry has ordered that parents and guardians must be issued with receipts at the point of payment and that proper books of accounts be maintained for audit purposes.

The vacation school programme will be supervised and monitored by the Inspectorate, in collaboration with District Literacy Coordinators and Remedial Tutors, under the Chief Director for Provincial Education Services. Reports on the exercise are to be submitted by 31 August 2026.

Pupils are required to wear school uniforms and teachers to dress appropriately, with the Ministry stressing that the principles of the Safe to Learn framework as outlined in Pupil Safeguarding Circulars must be upheld. Schools have also been urged to engage parents and guardians to ensure all candidates benefit.

On financial management, the Ministry reiterated that all funds collected, apart from boarding expenses, must be shared according to a set formula, with 30 per cent for utilities and stationery, 20 per cent for administration and 50 per cent for teacher appreciation, for both day and boarding schools.

The third term is set to open on 8 September and run until 3 December 2026.