Form 5 places challenge after high O-Level pass rate

THE increase in the number of learners who passed last November’s Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council Ordinary Level examinations has caused serious Form Five enrolment challenges, as most potential learners are struggling to secure places.

More than 63 000 pupils obtained Grade C or better in at least five subjects with schools, especially those that offer boarding facilities, already over-subscribed.

With most schools expected to start Lower Six lessons this week, many learners are still stranded and are hopping from one school to the other armed with recommendation letters in the vain hope of securing places.

In selecting learners for Form Five, schools usually give first preference to their excelling O-Level learners with good disciplinary records.

They also take into consideration the subject combinations the learners want and it is done on a first come, first serve basis.

Those from other schools should have a recommendation letter from their previous school explaining their disciplinary record, while church-run schools also give first preference to learners from their denomination.

Although the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Edgar Moyo, said they are still to receive the actual enrolment figures of Form Five learners, education secretaries for different churches confirmed that demand for places is high.

“We are hearing that recruitment is going on well at most schools. Securing places at boarding schools is usually a challenge because of the high demand.

“We cannot rule out the issue of oversubscription of Form Five classes because of the low numbers that are recruited.

“Schools that score high marks are usually overwhelmed by demand for places as parents want their children to get the best education. Those who are facing challenges in securing places should approach provincial education directors and district inspectors’ offices for assistance as they have better knowledge of schools within their jurisdictions. They will advise them on other alternatives,” said Cde Moyo.