Methodist Church Schools Shine in 2025 ZIMSEC Examinations

 

Schools run by the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe have once again demonstrated strong academic performance after achieving impressive results in the 2025 ZIMSEC Grade Seven, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations.

The recently released results show that many of the church’s institutions continue to perform exceptionally well in their respective provinces, maintaining a reputation for academic excellence.

In Mashonaland West, both Moleli High School and Sandringham High School have remained consistent top performers at both O-Level and A-Level for more than ten years. Chegutu Primary School has also continued to produce strong Grade Seven results annually.

Mashonaland East has equally recorded notable performances, with Waddilove High School, Chemhanza High School and Kwenda High School maintaining high pass rates. At primary level, Waddilove Primary School and Chemhanza Primary School have also remained among the best-performing institutions.

In the Midlands province, Pakame High School together with Pakame Primary School also achieved commendable results, while Thekwane High School in Matabeleland South continued to make its mark.

Bulawayo Methodist High School, located in Makokoba, has also been steadily improving, recording encouraging results at both O-Level and A-Level despite being a relatively new institution.

Primary schools under the Methodist Church recorded improved pass rates in the 2025 examinations. A total of 92 learners obtained between six and ten units, reflecting improved quality of results.

Among the schools that stood out at primary level were Waddilove Primary, Chemhanza Primary and Chegutu Primary. Other schools such as Thekwane Primary, Sandringham Primary and Marshal Hartley Primary also registered noticeable progress in their pass percentages.

At Advanced Level, Methodist high schools produced 258 candidates who achieved 15 points or more. Waddilove High recorded 61 students with 15 points and above, Sandringham High produced 60, Moleli High had 57, while Kwenda High recorded 31 learners in the same category.

In terms of percentages, Moleli High recorded 68 percent of its candidates attaining 15 points or more, Sandringham High achieved 86 percent, Waddilove High recorded 42 percent, Kwenda High 35 percent, Pakame High 23 percent and Thekwane High 26 percent.

Even emerging institutions such as Tinde High School, Bulawayo Methodist High School and Matthew Rusike College also produced students who scored 15 points and above.

At Ordinary Level, the seven established Methodist high schools — Moleli, Sandringham, Waddilove, Chemhanza, Kwenda, Pakame and Thekwane — achieved pass rates ranging from 90 percent to 100 percent.

Across these schools, a total of 411 candidates obtained five A grades or more. At Moleli High School, 73 percent of the candidates achieved at least five As, while Sandringham recorded 48 percent. Waddilove High produced 51 percent of candidates with five As or more, and Kwenda High recorded 45 percent.

The continued success of Methodist Church schools has been attributed to several factors, including strong leadership from school heads and principals who consistently work to uphold high academic standards.

Dedicated and qualified teachers have also played a major role in guiding learners and maintaining the schools’ strong performance.

In addition, the institutions have adopted the Heritage-Based Education model, which encourages practical learning through projects such as piggery, poultry production, fisheries, dairy farming, beef production, horticulture and beekeeping.

Parents have also supported the schools through School Development Committees by mobilising resources to improve learning environments.

Another key factor behind the success is the strong emphasis on discipline. Methodist schools have policies aimed at addressing challenges such as bullying, drug abuse, theft and other forms of misconduct.

Learners are also guided by Christian values and ethics, supported by full-time chaplains and active guidance and counselling departments within the schools.

Together with the promotion of unhu/ubuntu values, these principles have helped Methodist Church schools build a strong tradition of academic excellence across Zimbabwe.