The Government has ordered schools to stop forcing learners to attend unapproved holiday classes, warning that institutions that violate regulations could face disciplinary action.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo said the August holiday lessons were only authorised for pupils preparing to write public examinations in November.
Under the 2026 school calendar, the programme applies to Grade 7, Form 4 and Form 6 learners. The approved lessons were scheduled to run for 10 days, from August 7 to 20.
The Government set the fees at US$2 for Grade 7 pupils, US$3 for Form 4 learners and US$5 for Form 6 candidates, or the equivalent amount in Zimbabwe Gold at the prevailing bank rate.
Speaking to ZBC News, Moyo expressed concern over reports that some schools were disregarding the regulations by keeping learners in class throughout the holiday.
“We are disturbed by the developments happening in our schools, particularly during the holidays,” Moyo said.
He said Circular Number Seven of 2026 clearly limits August vacation lessons to learners who are due to sit for public examinations in November.
Moyo warned that denying learners adequate breaks could have negative effects on their mental and psychological wellbeing.
“We have observed that if students continuously attend classes without any breaks being given, they are likely to be affected mentally and psychologically, and the result is they become so fatigued,” he said.
According to the minister, reports of unauthorised holiday lessons have emerged from both urban and rural schools. Some private institutions are also allegedly putting pressure on parents to send their children for lessons during the break.
Moyo said schools must comply with Government regulations and give learners an opportunity to rest, interact with their families and recover from the demands of the previous term.
“We have observed that most of the schools in both the rural and urban areas are not giving learners time to rest. They are defying government regulations on the importance of learners having time to be with their parents, particularly during school holidays,” he said.
The minister said the Government’s position was not optional and warned schools against ignoring the directive.
“We are issuing a directive that any school that is defiant of government policy will be penalised, will be punished,” Moyo said.
He further called on parents and other stakeholders to alert authorities whenever schools compel learners to attend lessons that have not been approved.
The directive also applies to institutions offering early childhood education, with Moyo stressing that young children should not be subjected to compulsory holiday classes.
“The only classes that are supposed to attend holiday lessons only in August are those who are writing their final year examinations,” he said.
Parents who encounter schools violating the regulations can lodge complaints through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s toll-free number, 317, or approach their local district education offices.
The ministry said complaints would be investigated and appropriate action taken against schools found to be in breach of the regulations.
Government is expected to continue monitoring schools to ensure that August vacation lessons remain restricted to approved examination classes while other learners are given sufficient time to rest during the holiday.