In Sub-Saharan Africa, only 1 in 3 children access secondary school – both because of a lack of actual secondary schools, and because many students do not successfully complete their primary schooling. In Zambia, seventh grade marks the final year of primary school before students advance to secondary school. A critical step in this transition is the national exam taken at the end of the year, which determines eligibility for secondary education.

We are thrilled to share that in 2023, Impact Network had our largest cohort of 7th graders in history, and an impressive 87% of our students passed their Grade 7 exams, compared to the national average of 63%. This outstanding achievement is the culmination of years of preparation and the dedicated efforts of our team. Throughout the year, we focused on ensuring foundational skills were mastered, learners were prepared for their exams, and teachers had extensive training and support to ensure they were confident in teaching upper-grade content.

Last year, Zambia removed automatic progression from primary to secondary school, which meant that any students who scored in Division 4 were no longer eligible for secondary school. This change underscores the importance of taking and passing the national exam. If a student does not take or pass the exam, they must repeat Grade 7 and try again the following year. Thanks to the hard work of our staff and teachers, 87% of Impact Network grade 7 students are now eligible to attend secondary school, compared to 63% across Zambia. We are particularly proud to report that girls had a pass rate similar to boys, demonstrating our commitment to gender equality in education.

For those interested in taking a deeper dive into the results:

· Division 1: Impact Network had 11% of students score in Division 1, the most selective secondary school, matching the government rate. Notably, Impact Network students are also starting off primary school more disadvantaged.

· Division 2: 38% of Impact Network students are eligible to progress to Division 2 day and boarding secondary schools compared to 30% District Wide.

· Division 3: 38% of Impact Network students are eligible to progress to Division 3 day and boarding secondary schools compared to 24% District Wide.

This success story is a testament to the dedication of our students, teachers, and the entire Impact Network community. Thank you for your continued support in helping us provide quality education and brighter futures for children in Zambia! As these students move on to secondary, we are collaborating with Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS) to help improve the quality of secondary schools where we work. Stay tuned for more updates on our work together.

Our incredible seventh graders!