Mbabane — Learners who obtain an “insufficient” grade in the Grade 7 external examinations will be required to repeat the grade as the Ministry of Education and Training moves to enforce mastery of foundational skills ahead of the full rollout of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum in Grade 8 next year.
In a circular issued on December 11, Ministry of Education and Training Principal Secretary, Nanikie N. Mnisi, directed all head teachers in both public and private schools to retain affected learners in Grade 7 to ensure they acquire essential literacy, numeracy and other core competencies before progression.
The directive follows the first-ever Grade 7 CBE external examinations, where results will be reported using descriptors Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Sufficient and Insufficient instead of the traditional class-based system. While most learners are expected to proceed to Grade 8 in January 2026, those graded Insufficient will not be promoted.
According to the ministry, retention is mandatory and based on pedagogical considerations rather than administrative convenience. Schools are instructed to provide retained learners with structured remediation and enrichment programmes designed to address specific learning gaps.
The circular states that repetition is permitted under the national Curriculum Framework, which allows learners to repeat at least once during primary education where mastery of basic skills has not been achieved. The ministry maintains that this measure is intended to secure long-term academic progress and readiness for future learning pathways, including technical and vocational education.
To support implementation, the In-Service Education and Training (INSET) Unit, working with subject panels and regional inspectors, will increase assistance to schools. This includes closer monitoring, professional development for teachers and guidance on effective remediation strategies.
The ministry has called on head teachers, inspectors, school managers, committees and educators to implement the directive with care and understanding, noting that the intervention is focused on learner development rather than punishment.
The circular was addressed to all education stakeholders nationwide and takes effect ahead of the 2026 academic year.
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