Staff Reporter
HARARE – The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has set strict guidelines for this year’s August vacation school programme, capping fees and prohibiting schools from conducting lessons beyond August 20.
In Circular No. 7 of 2026 dated June 9, the Ministry approved a 10-day vacation school programme for Grade Seven, Form Four and Upper Six learners preparing for national examinations.
The circular states that the programme will run from August 7 to August 20, with schools barred from extending lessons beyond the stipulated period.
“No holiday school shall be conducted beyond August 20, 2026,” reads part of the circular.
The Ministry also ring-fenced Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day, which fall on August 11 and 12 respectively, directing that no lessons be conducted on the two public holidays.
To ensure learners complete the required instructional days, schools have been allowed to utilise weekends where necessary.
The circular further specifies that “only candidates sitting for national examinations in 2026, namely Grade 7, Form 4 and Upper Six learners, shall be eligible to attend the vacation school programme.”
Government has also moved to protect parents from excessive charges by setting maximum fees per subject. Grade Seven learners will pay a maximum of US$2 per subject, Form Four learners US$3, while Upper Six learners will pay up to US$5 per subject.
Payments may be made in either United States dollars or the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) equivalent at the prevailing exchange rate.
Boarding schools have been authorised to levy an additional US$5 per learner per day to cover upkeep expenses during the programme.
The Ministry also directed schools to exercise financial discipline in the use of funds collected.
“Teacher appreciation shall not exceed 50 percent of the revenue realised from vacation school fees, with the balance being utilised for stationery and administrative expenses,” the circular states.
The latest measures are aimed at standardising holiday tuition across the country while ensuring examination candidates receive additional academic support at affordable and regulated costs.
