Gov’t Orders Private Schools to Reopen on 12 January
The Ministry of Education has directed all private schools operating under the Zambian National Curriculum that opened prematurely to immediately close and reopen on 12 January 2026, in line with the official school calendar.
According to a statement issued by Dr Kelvin Mambwe, Permanent Secretary for Education Services at the Ministry of Education, the Ministry noted with concern that some private schools opened on 5 January 2026, despite the officially designated opening date for Term One being 12 January 2026.
Dr Mambwe emphasised that the Ministry is the custodian of all educational institutions in Zambia and regulates school operations in accordance with the Education Act No. 23 of 2011. Under the Act, the Minister of Education is mandated to determine the annual academic calendar, the duration of the academic year and school terms for all institutions offering education under the national curriculum.
He stated that all schools are required to adhere strictly to the Ministry’s school calendar, with exceptions applying only to international schools and institutions that have received written authorisation from the Ministry to operate a different curriculum, as provided for under Section 101(3) of the Education Act.
Dr Mambwe described the early opening by some private schools as a disregard of the official calendar and warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in the revocation of operating licences.
“Private schools following the Zambian National Curriculum that opened on 5 January 2026 must immediately close and reopen on 12 January 2026,” Dr Mambwe said, adding that Standards Officers have been deployed nationwide to monitor compliance.
The Ministry reiterated its appreciation for the private sector’s role in the provision of quality education and expressed its expectation of continued cooperation and adherence to established regulations.
