ZAMBIA has crossed a historic threshold in its educational journey.
For the first time in the nation’s history, the Grade 12 examination pass rate has surpassed the 70 percent mark.
This achievement, announced by Minister of Education Douglas
Syakalima, is not a matter of luck, chance or coincidence. It is the result of deliberate, consistent and progressive government policies that have reshaped the education landscape over the past four years.
From the 194,148 candidates who sat the examinations last year, 136,434 obtained school certificates, representing a pass rate of 70.27 percent. This is an improvement from the 68.19 percent recorded in 2024, and a remarkable leap from the 63.93 percent recorded in 2020. Such steady progress demonstrates that Zambia’s education system is on an upward trajectory, and the Government deserves commendation for steering it in this direction.
At the heart of this success is the free education policy. By removing financial barriers, the Government has ensured that thousands of children who might otherwise have been excluded from school now have the opportunity to learn. The surge in registered candidates – from 172,880 in 2024 to 197,777 in 2025 – shows that families are responding positively to this policy. Importantly, the increase in enrolment has not diluted quality. On the contrary, learning outcomes have improved, proving that access and excellence can go hand in hand when supported by sound planning.
The Government’s commitment to recruiting more teachers and enhancing monitoring of schools has strengthened the backbone of the education system. Classrooms are not only fuller but also better staffed, ensuring that learners receive quality education.
The procurement of desks and construction of new classroom blocks have improved the learning environment, allowing for students to learn in a conducive environment and concentrate on their studies.
Although these interventions may seem routine, they are the nuts and bolts of a functioning education system. Without them, the dream of improved pass rates would remain elusive.
Other programmes such as school health and the school feeding programme have contributed to improving the learning environment and setting the country for such a milestone.
For many children, especially in rural areas, hunger and poor health have long been barriers to learning. Keeping learners healthy and nourished reduces absenteeism and improves concentration in classrooms.
The Examinations Council of Zambia has also played its part by developing an in-house system that reduces the processing of results from eight days to just 48 hours. This innovation enhances transparency and efficiency, boosting public confidence in the examination process. Equally important is the assurance that the 2025 Grade 12 examinations recorded no leakage – a testament to the Government’s commitment to integrity in education.
Crossing the 70 percent pass rate is a progressive and encouraging sign that Zambia is building a stronger foundation for its future. Education is the bedrock of national development, and by investing in it, the Government is investing in the country’s human capital.
The fact that female candidates slightly outnumbered males in sitting the examinations also points to progress in gender equity, another important marker of social advancement.
While the achievement deserves celebration, it also calls for sustained effort. The challenge now is to maintain and build upon this momentum. As enrolment continues to rise, the Government must ensure that infrastructure keeps pace, that teachers are adequately trained and supported, and that learning outcomes continue to improve.
The journey is far from over, but the direction is clear and encouraging.
70% pass rate: Victory for sound policy
ZAMBIA has crossed a historic threshold in its educational journey.
For the first time in the nation’s history, the Grade 12 examination pass rate has surpassed the 70 percent mark.
This achievement, announced by Minister of Education Douglas
Syakalima, is not a matter of luck, chance or coincidence. It is the result of deliberate, consistent and progressive government policies that have reshaped the education landscape over the past four years.
From the 194,148 candidates who sat the examinations last year, 136,434 obtained school certificates, representing a pass rate of 70.27 percent. This is an improvement from the 68.19 percent recorded in 2024, and a remarkable leap from the 63.93 percent recorded in 2020. Such steady progress demonstrates that Zambia’s education system is on an upward trajectory, and the Government deserves commendation for steering it in this direction.
At the heart of this success is the free education policy. By removing financial barriers, the Government has ensured that thousands of children who might otherwise have been excluded from school now have the opportunity to learn. The surge in registered candidates – from 172,880 in 2024 to 197,777 in 2025 – shows that families are responding positively to this policy. Importantly, the increase in enrolment has not diluted quality. On the contrary, learning outcomes have improved, proving that access and excellence can go hand in hand when supported by sound planning.
The Government’s commitment to recruiting more teachers and enhancing monitoring of schools has strengthened the backbone of the education system. Classrooms are not only fuller but also better staffed, ensuring that learners receive quality education.
The procurement of desks and construction of new classroom blocks have improved the learning environment, allowing for students to learn in a conducive environment and concentrate on their studies.
Although these interventions may seem routine, they are the nuts and bolts of a functioning education system. Without them, the dream of improved pass rates would remain elusive.
Other programmes such as school health and the school feeding programme have contributed to improving the learning environment and setting the country for such a milestone.
For many children, especially in rural areas, hunger and poor health have long been barriers to learning. Keeping learners healthy and nourished reduces absenteeism and improves concentration in classrooms.
The Examinations Council of Zambia has also played its part by developing an in-house system that reduces the processing of results from eight days to just 48 hours. This innovation enhances transparency and efficiency, boosting public confidence in the examination process. Equally important is the assurance that the 2025 Grade 12 examinations recorded no leakage – a testament to the Government’s commitment to integrity in education.
Crossing the 70 percent pass rate is a progressive and encouraging sign that Zambia is building a stronger foundation for its future. Education is the bedrock of national development, and by investing in it, the Government is investing in the country’s human capital.
The fact that female candidates slightly outnumbered males in sitting the examinations also points to progress in gender equity, another important marker of social advancement.
While the achievement deserves celebration, it also calls for sustained effort. The challenge now is to maintain and build upon this momentum. As enrolment continues to rise, the Government must ensure that infrastructure keeps pace, that teachers are adequately trained and supported, and that learning outcomes continue to improve.
The journey is far from over, but the direction is clear and encouraging.