By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has announced the results of the 2024 A-Level examinations, marking a significant milestone in the country’s education calendar. With a national pass rate of 94.58%, the results demonstrate a remarkable consistency in the education system, mirroring the 2023 performance.
A total of 33,585 candidates sat for the examinations, slightly fewer than the 34,437 in 2023, representing a 2.47% decrease. However, the slight decline in candidature did not impact the overall pass rate, which remained stable.
Addressing a press conference in Harare, ZIMSEC board chairperson Professor Paul Mapfumo said he was satisfied with the consistency in the national pass rate, recognizing the collective effort of all involved. “We are pleased with the stability of our results, which reflect the dedication of our students, teachers, and other stakeholders,” he said.
One of the notable highlights of the 2024 A-Level results is the exceptional performance of female candidates. With a pass rate of 95.94% for those who sat for two or more subjects, female candidates outperformed their male counterparts. This represents a significant improvement from the 2023 pass rate of 92.32%.
“We are thrilled to see our female candidates excelling and continuing to outperform their male counterparts,” said Professor Mapfumo. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our female students, teachers, and educators.”
Male candidates recorded a pass rate of 93.13%, slightly lower than the previous year’s rate of 93.95%. However, the overall performance of male candidates remained stable, indicating a consistent level of academic achievement.
“While the performance of male candidates remains steady, there is always room for improvement,” Professor Mapfumo noted. “We encourage our male students to strive for excellence and to continue working hard to achieve their academic goals.”
The 2024 A-Level results also saw significant progress among special needs candidates. Out of the 40 special needs candidates who sat for the exams, 38 passed with a Grade E or better, resulting in a pass rate of 95%. This marks a substantial improvement from 2023, when 29 out of 34 candidates passed, yielding a pass rate of 84.62%.
“The success of our special needs candidates reflects the ongoing efforts to make education more inclusive and accessible,” Professor Mapfumo said. “We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.”
A total of 29,041 school candidates sat for the 2024 A-Level examinations, with 27,509 achieving a Grade E or better. This translates to a pass rate of 95.18%, closely mirroring the previous year’s performance.
Private candidates, who numbered 4,544 in 2024, saw a slight increase in the number of candidates writing two or more subjects compared to the previous year. A total of 4,346 private candidates sat for two or more subjects, with 3,934 passing, resulting in a pass rate of 90.52%.
Candidates can access their results online via the ZIMSEC portal until January 15, 2025. Heads of examination centers can collect results for their schools from provincial offices on January 13, 2025.
As the education sector continues to evolve, ZIMSEC remains committed to maintaining the integrity and quality of its examinations. The council will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that the education system remains relevant, effective, and inclusive.
The 2024 A-Level results demonstrate the resilience and dedication of Zimbabwe’s students, teachers, and educators. As the country continues to strive for academic excellence, ZIMSEC’s commitment to quality education and assessment remains unwavering. With a strong foundation in place, Zimbabwe’s education system is poised for continued growth and success, empowering future generations to reach their full potential. The impressive results achieved by the 2024 A-Level candidates serve as a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a shared commitment to excellence.
