School heads in Zimbabwe risk imprisonment for expelling students due to unpaid fees or refusing admission based on poor results. This comes after the gazetting of Statutory Instrument 13 of 2025 by Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Dr. Torerayi Moyo. The new regulations, known as the Education (General) Regulations, 2025, aim to address societal issues like drug abuse, sexual abuse, and bullying.
Under the new regulations, school authorities are prohibited from sending students home over unpaid fees or levies. However, parents and guardians are obligated to ensure fees are paid before the start of each term. The regulations also state that basic education is compulsory, and the State will assist parents who cannot afford tuition at Government schools. Additionally, no child will be denied admission based on lack of birth certificate or poor results.
School heads or authorities found guilty of violating these regulations face a fine not exceeding level six or imprisonment of up to six months. The regulations also address student pregnancies, requiring schools to provide psycho-social support to pregnant learners. Pregnant students will be allowed to continue their education until delivery and return once their health permits.
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