Harare – The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has authorised a 10-day vacation school programme for examination candidates during the August 2026 holidays, issuing strict fee caps and prohibiting schools from extending lessons beyond the stipulated period.

According to Secretary’s Circular Number 7 of 2026, dated June 9, the programme will run from August 7 to August 20 for Grade 7, Form Four, and Upper Six learners preparing for national examinations.

Schools are barred from conducting lessons on Heroes Day (August 11) and Defence Forces Day (August 12), but may utilise weekends to complete the ten-day requirement.

To protect parents from excessive charges, the Ministry set maximum fees per learning area: US$2 for Grade 7 pupils, US$3 for Form Four learners, and US$5 for Upper Six students. Payments may be made in either United States dollars or the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) equivalent at the prevailing bank rate. Boarding schools have been authorised to levy an additional US$5 per learner per day for upkeep.

“The traditional approach to vacation schools must align with the Ministry’s strategy to ensure the continuity of learning at all times, including in emergencies,” said Permanent Secretary Mr Moses Mhike.

“Authority is granted for schools to conduct vacation classes during the August holidays for the examination classes of Grade 7, Form Four and Upper Six. This aims to support students’ success and reassure stakeholders of the Ministry’s commitment to quality education”.

The Ministry emphasised that schools are strictly prohibited from charging above the approved rates. Parents must receive receipts at the point of payment, and proper books of accounts must be maintained for audit purposes.

Schools have been directed to ensure that teacher appreciation does not exceed 50 percent of revenue collected, with the balance allocated to stationery and administrative expenses.

The programme will be supervised by the Inspectorate, in collaboration with District Literacy Coordinators and Remedial Tutors, with monitoring reports due by August 31. The third school term is scheduled to run from September 8 to December 3, 2026.