Eastern Province has recorded a 70 percent pass rate in the 2025 Grade 12 examinations, leading national performance for the fourth consecutive year, according to results released by the Ministry of Education.
The announcement follows confirmation that Zambia’s overall Grade 12 national pass rate has surpassed the 70 percent mark for the first time. Out of 197,777 candidates who registered for the 2025 School Certificate examinations, 136,434 obtained school certificates, while 2,941 candidates failed and 3,621 were absent.
The national pass rate represents a 2.08 percentage point increase compared to the previous year. Education Minister Douglas Syakalima said the results demonstrate continued improvement in learning outcomes despite increased enrolment under the free education policy.
Of the candidates who sat for the examinations, 52.22 percent were female and 47.78 percent were male, reflecting strong female participation.
Syakalima noted that the results maintain a five-year upward trend, with national pass rates rising from 63.93 percent in 2020 to 70.27 percent in 2025.
He attributed the improved performance to government interventions, including the recruitment of additional teachers, enhanced school supervision, and the provision of desks and learning materials.
Announcing the 2025 School Certificate and Teacher Education Examination results in Lusaka, the minister also cited consistent disbursement of school grants and an improved school feeding programme as contributing factors to improved learner retention and performance.
“Further, it is worth noting that candidate absenteeism has continued to reduce, despite the consistent increase in candidature. The recorded improvement in performance and all other achievements stated are a result of the sound policies and interventions the government is putting in place,” Syakalima said.
