The Ministry of Education has released the Grade 7 and 9 2024 Examination results, with the nation recording a 71.19% pass rate at grade 7 and 55.89% pass rate at grade 9.
Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima, says both progression rates are an improvement from the previous year where the nation recorded a 69% pass rate at grade 7 and 53 % at grade 9.
Speaking when he announced the results, Mr. Syakalima said that at grade 7 level, 491,785 candidates sat for the exams of which 350,116 passed to form 1 while 141,669 candidates failed the exams and will be required to repeat.
“At grade 9 level, out of the 302,870 that sat for the exams, 169,280 candidates passed while 23,387 failed the exams,” said Mr. Syakalima.
He said that despite government introducing the free education policy, the quality of results at both grades have not been affected.
And Mr. Syakalima disclosed that the last three years has seen more girls seat for examinations compared at boy at both grade 7 and 9 level.
Meanwhile, Mr. Syakalima has announced that government will implement the 2023 Zambia Curriculum using a phased approach, commencing with Early Childhood Education – (ECE Level 1), Primary Education (Grade 1) and Secondary Education (Form 1) formerly grade 8, in 2025.
He said that ECE Level 1, Grade 1 and Form 1 will open on Monday, 10th February, 2025.
Mr. Syakalima said that the delay in the opening of schools for the affected grades will allow the Ministry of Education and partners, to have enough time to print and distribute the teaching and learning materials, and orient the teachers of the affected levels, for smooth implementation of the 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum.
Angel Kasabo
