Govt To Close Illegal Private Schools After Poor Grade Seven Results

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Manicaland has warned that all illegal private schools and colleges will be shut down to protect educational standards, following disappointing results in the 2025 Grade Seven examinations.

In an interview with The Manica Post, Provincial Education Director (PED) Richard Gabaza said that unregistered schools have been given until 31 December 2025 to regularise their operations. Those who fail to comply with the Ministry’s regulations will face closure.

While Gabaza has not officially commented on the Grade Seven results, sources suggest that the province performed below expectations, with fewer learners achieving six units compared to previous years. He said:

“May I announce to you that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is going to close all illegal schools in the province.

“We have seen illegal schools mushrooming, especially in urban areas, and as a ministry, we have decided that these illegal schools should not continue.

“We are going to discontinue them, with the assistance of the police and the minister.

“Our children are vulnerable under these circumstances, comrade. Do not forget this.

“We are using the office of the Public Service Commission because they are the owners of the children.

“You can claim that they are your children, but they are not – they belong to the Government by law.

“So, if you have a friend who has a school that has not been registered, encourage them to ensure it is registered by December 31, 2025.

“The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education gave a grace period of three months from October to December 2025.

“We have seen a lot of problems associated with illegal schools.”

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