Chinhoyi High School is a government secondary school located in the town of Chinhoyi, about 122 km northwest of Harare, Zimbabwe. It is approximately 3 km from the town center via the Harare-Chirundu highway.
Established in 1960, the school provides both day and boarding facilities, with approximately 1500 students enrolled. Around 800 of the students are boarders, while the rest are day scholars.
The school is co-educational, offering classes from Form 1 to Upper Sixth. The school allows girls to plait their hair.
The infrastructure is old but it is well-maintained.
In 2018, Chinhoyi High School was honoured with the Secretary’s Merit Award for Mashonaland West Province.
The award came after significant developments under the leadership of Dr. Saviours Mutopa, who took over as the school head in 2013. His leadership marked a transformation period for the school, resulting in a revitalized academic environment and improved infrastructure.
The school was also recognized as the Most Successful and Improved Educational Facility in Mashonaland West in 2017, earning its spot in the national competition for the first time.
Key developments that contributed to the award include:
- Constructing a state-of-the-art cultural village
- Refurbishment of boys' and girls' hostels
- Drilling of boreholes to ensure a reliable water supply
- Reworking the swimming pool for sports and recreation
- Launching a fishery project
- Upgrading sports facilities
These improvements have elevated both the academic and extracurricular experiences for students.
The school encourages parents who wish to visit and inspect the infrastructure. Parents can arrange a visit by contacting the school through the contact details provided below.
Curriculum
The school offers a broad curriculum covering academic, technical, and practical subjects. Key areas of study include:
- Languages: English, Shona, and French.
- Sciences: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Combined Science.
- Humanities: History, Geography, Religious Studies, and Sociology.
Commercial Subjects: Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, and Commerce. - Practical Subjects: Computer Science, Technical Graphics, Agriculture, and Food & Nutrition.
- Arts: Music, Drama, and Art & Design.
The curriculum is designed to prepare students for ZIMSEC (Zimbabwe School Examinations Council) examinations, which are taken at both Ordinary Level (O-Level) and Advanced Level (A-Level).
Chinhoyi High School Pass Rates
In 2024, Chinhoyi High achieved an impressive 99% pass rate at A-level. The only reason it wasn't 100% was due to one student who, despite earning an A in Crop Science, received F's in her other two subjects.
At O-level, the school recorded a 71% pass rate in 2024. This marks a steady improvement since the new head Mr Chigwa took over in 2022, when the pass rate was 58%. By 2023, it had increased to 63%.
The head is determined to achieve a 100% pass rate for both O and A-levels, as the school enrolls academically strong students.
Chinhoyi High School Boarding and Day Scholar Fees
For Form 1 students starting at Chinhoyi High School, the termly boarding fees are USD 520. Day scholars pay USD140 per term.
When starting you should budget around $1200 to cover everything.
Chinhoyi High School Admission Requirements
Enrollment for Form One Places 2025 at Chinhoyi High School is done through the Ministry of Education’s EMAP platform.
This becomes available after the release of the Grade 7 results, typically around mid-November.
In 2024, the school admitted boarding students with 6 to 8 units into Form One, while day scholars were accepted with up to 10 units.
For Lower Six, students must also apply through EMAP once O-Level results are published. The school doesn't require a specific number of A's as a cut-off but emphasizes A's in the subjects the student wishes to pursue at A-Level.
The head explains that a student may have 5 A's without the right subject combination, so the total number of A's is not the primary consideration.
Due to high demand, competition for places is intense. To increase your chances, your child should be a top performer, and it's important to apply early on EMAP.
Get more tips on how to use Emap and how to increase your chances of getting a place at Chinhoyi High in this article.
Chinhoyi High School Uniforms
Chinhoyi High School's full uniform package costs USD 550, which includes almost all necessary clothing except shoes.
The uniforms are produced at the school, promoting consistency and reinforcing a sense of unity.
Uniform Package for Form 1 & Lower 6
- 3 grey sets
- 1 grey trousers
- 1 sky blue shirt
- 1 white shirt
- Tracksuit
- Blazer
- Jersey
- 3 t-shirts
- 2 sports shorts
- Dustcoat
- Anorak
This comprehensive uniform package ensures that students are well-equipped for school life.
The school also provides a bed and a desk for boarders as part of this package. These are bought brand new.
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Read MoreBoarding Facilities
The school has well-organized hostel facilities with 24 students per dorm, divided into cubicles of 4 students each.
Each hostel has its own study room, supervised by a designated house parent and matron.
Diet at Chinhoyi High School
Boarders at Chinhoyi High enjoy nutritious meals, with meat served every evening at supper. The menu includes a variety of meats such as beef, chicken, minced meat, and fish.
Rice is served twice a week, while other days feature spaghetti. After supper, students receive a fruit like a banana, orange, or apple, except on Sunday evenings, known as “Christmas,” when they are treated to ice cream or yogurt sourced from Kefalos.
Eggs are eaten at breakfast and chicken is served twice a week.
Roasted fish is a delicacy at the school and it is served once a week.
The school boasts a state-of-the-art bakery that produces bread, rolls, scones, and biscuits for breakfast. Students can also purchase birthday cakes from the bakery.
While students are currently allowed to bring unlimited tuck to supplement their diet, the school is planning to introduce a well-stocked tuck shop where they can buy everything they need without bringing tuck from home.
Parents will be asked to provide swipe cards for their children to use at the tuck shop, reducing the need for cash and minimizing the risk of theft.
Overall, the diet at Chinhoyi High is impressive, especially considering the affordable fees. The school is able to provide such a high standard of meals thanks to various projects, which are detailed further below.
Projects at Chinhoyi High School
Agricultural Projects
Chinhoyi High School runs approximately 25 agricultural and cultural projects aimed at fostering practical skills and self-sustainability among students.
The school manages 3,000 layers that produce eggs for breakfast and around 500 broilers that are consumed by the students. Their bakery also produces pies, which are sold at the school tuckshop.
Additionally, the school operates a grinding mill to process the maize they grow, producing enough mealie meal to meet the students’ needs.
The school's garden, equipped with drip irrigation, produces cabbages, carrots, rape, tomatoes, and onions for the dining hall, with surplus cabbages sold to the local community.
The piggery project consists of around 40 pigs, which are sold to the community. Pork is not served in the dining hall to accommodate students with different religious beliefs.
The school also raises rabbits, some of which are consumed by students while others are sold locally.
A herd of about 40 cattle is kept for beef, and they are slaughtered to supply the dining hall. These cattle are sourced from surrounding areas and fattened before being processed.
A starting herd of four dairy cows produces milk for the dining hall, although additional milk is purchased to supplement supply.
The school’s goat project maintains around 40 goats, which are slaughtered during school functions, with some given to teachers as a form of motivation.
Other Income-Generating Projects
In addition to agricultural ventures, Chinhoyi High produces its own uniforms through a uniform project.
The school also acquired barbershop and salon equipment from South Africa, allowing girls to have their hair styled and boys to get haircuts for a nominal fee. Students studying cosmetology gain practical experience by working in the barbershop.
Chinhoyi High also operates a driving school. Students aged 16 and older are encouraged to enroll for driving lessons, with a licensed instructor providing both theoretical and practical training.
Some students have even obtained their driving licenses through the school. This service is offered at a nominal fee as part of the school’s income-generating projects.
The school’s buses are another income-generating initiative, used to transport day scholars for a monthly fee.
All these projects circulate money within the school’s economy, helping to reduce operational costs while providing students with valuable practical experience.
Additionally, the school maintains a cultural village, which preserves traditional Zimbabwean practices and promotes cultural understanding among the students.
Water and Power
The school generally has reliable water, though students are encouraged to bring two buckets in case of issues. The infrastructure, while older, is maintained and kept clean.
Power availability is stable, supporting both academic and residential needs.
Extracurricular Activities: Sports and Clubs
Chinhoyi High offers a range of extracurricular activities, including:
- Sports: Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Rugby, Cricket, Chess, Boxing and Athletics.
- Clubs: Debate Club, Drama Club, Chess Club, Environmental Club, and Interact Club.
Students have ample opportunities to participate in both competitive sports and social clubs, fostering personal development and teamwork.
ICT Infrastructure at Chinhoyi High School
Chinhoyi High School has made significant strides in enhancing its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, with recent investments reflecting its commitment to digital learning.
In November 2022, President Mnangagwa fulfilled a promise to donate 20 laptops to the school, following a request from the headmaster, Mr. Blazio Chigwa.
The laptops have been integrated into the school’s newly commissioned computer laboratory, which serves as a hub for ICT learning.
The lab provides students with access to modern digital resources, enabling them to develop crucial skills in computing and information technology.
This upgrade has greatly enhanced the school’s ability to provide practical ICT education, preparing students for the demands of the digital age.
Chinhoyi High's ICT infrastructure now includes up-to-date computer equipment and dedicated spaces for tech-related learning, ensuring that students have opportunities to engage with digital tools in a structured environment.
The school's efforts to strengthen its technological resources reflect its commitment to offering a well-rounded education that includes proficiency in ICT, an essential skill in today’s economy.
As a technical school, some students take Hexco computer package exams, while others opt for the ZImsec computer science, making use of the school's ICT infrastructure.
Remarkably, some students even sit for Hexco exams as early as Form 2.
Conclusion
Chinhoyi High School is ideally suited for parents seeking a well-rounded education for their children. With its impressive range of projects, strong pass rates, affordable fees, and a balanced diet, the school provides an excellent environment for both academic and personal growth.
The ambitious and determined leadership of the head ensures continuous improvement and high standards across all areas.
Students who are eager to excel academically while gaining practical skills will thrive in this nurturing and resource-rich environment.
Some parents have expressed concerns that the standards at the school have declined in recent years. However, the head appears committed to addressing these issues.
Contacting the school or arranging a visit to see the infrastructure and standards firsthand would be best. By speaking with current students, teachers, and other parents, you can gain a more accurate understanding of the school's current situation.
As noted, the school welcomes visits from parents interested in inspecting the premises..
Chinhoyi High School Contact Details
Cell: +263 77 297 6051 (Head) Mr. Blazio Chigwa
+263 71 237 8156
Website
FAQ's On Chinhoyi High School
Chinhoyi High School is in Makonde District, Mashonaland West Province.
Chinhoyi High School boarding fees are $520 per term while day scholars pay $140 per term.
In 2024 Chinhoyi High attained a pass rate of 99% at A-Level and 71% at O-level
Chinhoyi High uniforms cost $550 for three sets excluding shoes.
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