The Ministry of Education has warned private schools offering the Zambian National Curriculum that failure to adhere to the official school calendar will result in the revocation of operating licences.
Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Education Services, Mr. Kelvin Mambwe, has directed all schools that opened on January 5, 2026, to immediately close and reopen on January 12, 2026, in line with the approved school calendar.
He has cautioned that failure to comply will lead to the immediate withdrawal of operating licences.
Mr. Mambwe has clarified that the directive does not apply to international schools or institutions with written authority to offer curricula other than the Zambian National Curriculum, as provided for under Section 101(3) of the Education Act.
Despite clear guidance from the Ministry, some private schools reportedly opened prematurely on January 5, 2026, in violation of the approved calendar.
He says Standards Officers have been deployed to monitor compliance and enforce the directive.
By Elfi Mwale Shampande
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