02/01/2026
SUMMARISED EDUCATION SYSTEM
(ZAMBIA 2025 & BEYOND)
The new curriculum system will run as follows:
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6 (Final Primary Exams)
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- The "Grade" system from basic and secondary system level will now be referred to as "Form".
Old New
Grade 7 =
Grade 8 = Form 1
Grade 9 = Form 2
Grade 10= Form 3(Final Secondary Exams - "O" Levels)
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Grade 11 = Form 4
Grade 12 = Form 5 ("A" Levels)
Then, tertiary education has reduced in years as follows: ( Those these are not yet approved)
1. University Degree = 3 years
2. Diploma =2 years
3. Certificates will be phased out
Therefore, the 2023 Curriculum Framework will be as follows:
1. Primary school education will end at Grade 6.
2. Learners will not automatically progress to secondary school after sitting examinations at Grade 6.
3. Junior and Senior Secondary School merged into Forms (1 to 4).
4. Introduction of Advanced Secondary level or "A" levels (Form 5 and 6).
5. R.E 2044 and 2046 merged.
6. Social Studies has been split into it's constituent subjects of Geography, History and Civics.
7. Science 5124 has been abolished. It's now Physics or Chemistry or both.
8. Integrated Science has been split into it's constituent subjects of Biology, Physics and Chemistry.
9. Schools to offer specialized "O" level and "A" level pathways depending on the guidelines to be provided.
- Now you know.
