Zambian Ministry of Education Releases 2023 Grade 7 and 9 Examination Results
Honourable Douglas M. Siakalima, the Ministry of Education in the Republic of Zambia, in collaboration with the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ), has officially unveiled the results of the 2023 Grade 7 and Grade 9 examinations.
The 2023 Grade 7 examination saw a total of 502,670 candidates registering, representing a 1.77 percent increase from the previous year. Notably, 48.17% were boys, and 51.83% were girls. Out of the registered candidates, 454,396 (90.40%) participated in the examination, with a higher participation rate among girls. Impressively, 316,690 candidates (69.72%) successfully obtained the Primary School Certificate, making them eligible for selection to secondary school in 2024.
The abolition of automatic progression from Primary to Secondary School resulted in a decrease in the progression rate from 100% to 69.72%. Furthermore, 80,093 spaces at Grade 8 level will be available for candidates opting to repeat Grade 7 in 2024.
Grade 9 Junior Secondary Leaving Examination Results:
In the Grade 9 examination, a total of 313,791 candidates entered, marking a 2.07 percent increase from the previous year. Out of these, 291,894 candidates (93.02%) sat the examination.
Of those who sat the examination, 156,315 candidates (53.55%) obtained Certificates, reflecting a marginal decrease in pass rates compared to 2022. The national progression rate to Grade 10 was 53.53%, a slight decrease from the previous year.
Remarkably, for the fifth consecutive year, there was no leakage of examination question papers in both Grade 7 and Grade 9 examinations. The Minister commended all stakeholders for ensuring a leakage-free examination process.
However, there were 54 reported cases of suspected examination malpractices during the Grade 9 examinations, marking a significant reduction from the 989 cases reported in the previous year.
Underlining the government’s commitment to eradicating examination malpractices, Honourable Siakalima emphasized the stringent provisions introduced through the ECZ Act No. 3 of 2023. The government reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for any form of malpractice, and those found guilty would face legal consequences.
The SMS Result notification system will soon be available on ZAMTEL and MTN mobile networks, while candidates can access E-Statements of Results from the ECZ Portal using their examination numbers by 8th January 2023. Grade 7 candidates who obtained the Primary School Certificate are eligible to proceed to Grade 8.
Minister Siakalima commended all stakeholders for their dedication and officially declared the 2023 Grades 7 and 9 Examinations results released. The 2024 Grade 8 and 10 classes are scheduled to commence on Monday, 8th January 2024.
