Zimbabwe is facing yet another intense scramble for Form One boarding school places, with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education confirming that only 30,000 vacancies are available for the 2026 academic year—far fewer than the 418,000 learners who sat for Grade Seven examinations this year.
Placements are being processed through the Electronic Ministry Application Platform, the online system introduced in 2017 to streamline Form One boarding school admissions. The platform opened recently following the release of Grade Seven results by ZIMSEC.
Ministry spokesperson and communications director Taungana Ndoro said the system is already experiencing high traffic as parents rush to secure places for their children.
“EMAP is currently open for applications for Form One placements,” Ndoro said. “We normally see around 30,000 placements taken up each year. We are still compiling the number of applicants for this cycle, and updated figures will be shared soon.”
He said feedback from parents and school administrators continues to show that the platform has eased the admissions process by improving transparency and reducing delays.
To support parents who may face challenges, Ndoro said the ministry will conduct nationwide awareness campaigns, including demonstrations, printed guides and help desks at district offices. Schools are also expected to assist parents struggling with the online process.
Related Stories
Ndoro added that the platform will remain exclusive to Form One applications, as the shortage of boarding places is most pronounced at entry level. A-Level placements, he noted, generally rely on internal school systems because they primarily cater to day scholars.
The ministry reiterated that all schools must adhere to gazetted fees and encouraged parents facing financial difficulties to negotiate payment plans with school authorities. Vulnerable learners remain eligible for support under the Basic Education Assistance Module.
He also emphasised that eMAP is designed to curb corruption by matching learners to schools strictly based on merit and available capacity. “The system is transparent, auditable and helps eliminate human interference,” he said.
Although concerns persist about the digital divide—particularly for rural families—officials noted that eMAP targets boarding school seekers, typically families with better access to technology, while day-school enrolment continues through traditional channels.
Meanwhile, several of Zimbabwe’s most sought-after secondary schools have already closed applications for their 2026 Form One intake, intensifying the scramble for alternative placements.
The Ministry confirmed that 11 high-demand schools filled their quotas within days of eMAP opening. These include Goromonzi, Mutendi, Holy Ghost, Nyatsime, Anderson (Gweru), Sandringham, Moleli, Waddilove, St Anthony, Regina Mundi (Gweru), and Kriste Mambo.
These institutions—considered among the country’s top “A schools”—traditionally attract strong academic performers and high application volumes.
Their early closure highlights the widening gap between available boarding places and overwhelming parental demand.
Leave Comments