Government Warns Schools Charging Illegal Registration Fees for 2025 Enrolment

Government Warns Schools Charging Illegal Registration Fees for 2025 Enrolment

Government has come out strongly against public and private schools that are asking parents to pay money before their children are enrolled, saying the practice has no legal basis and takes advantage of families.

The warning follows a surge in complaints from parents applying for Grade One and Form One places, many of whom say schools are insisting on upfront payments long before classes begin.

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Reports of US$100–US$200 Demands

According to The Herald, in the wake of the Grade 7 results released last week, complaints have surfaced of some schools requesting between US$100 and US$200 as “registration” or “processing” fees.

Other institutions are alleged to be demanding full school fees upfront, despite the academic year only beginning next term.

Ministry Says Practice Is Illegal

Taungana Ndoro, Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, stressed that such charges have no legal basis.

He said the ministry views the practice as exploitative and discriminatory, adding that authorities are prepared to take action against schools that break the rules.

“No public school is allowed to charge any form of registration or enrolment fee. Any institution requesting money before a learner is placed is acting outside policy, and disciplinary measures will follow. Parents must report these violations immediately,” Ndoro said. 

Ndoro also noted that all approved fees go through the ministry’s vetting processes, including audits meant to track and verify school finances.

Enrolment Must Be Free and Transparent

The ministry reiterated that admission into public schools is supposed to be cost-free and guided strictly by official circulars.

Schools, Ndoro said, do not have the authority to invent new charges or impose conditions that block access to education — particularly for learners from low-income families.

Development Levies Only Allowed After Placement

While schools may introduce development levies, Ndoro clarified that these can only be implemented after students have been offered places.

Such levies must be approved by the School Development Committee (SDC) and endorsed by parents, with full documentation to support the process.

“No levy can be demanded at the application stage. Any contribution must be transparent, agreed upon by parents, and paid after admission — not before,” he said.

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