Mt St Mary's Mission School is a private Catholic primary and secondary school, located in the Wedza District of the Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe.
The school is located at the foot of Mt Rusunzwe. The mission was established in 1954 by Father Beckenhoff, a German Jesuit who worked as a missionary in Wedza and other areas in Zimbabwe.
To reach the school from Harare, take the Mutare Road (A3), turn left at the Wedza turnoff, and follow the signs leading to the school.
The primary school was established alongside the mission and a transition to a secondary school followed gradually.
The school has been one of the more competitive schools from Wedza and was the second school in the district to introduce GCE Advanced Level classes with the inception of management of business, accounting and geography classes in 2000.
Classes have expanded to include English literature and science subjects.
Curriculum:
Mt St Mary's High offers both Ordinary Level (O-Level) and Advanced Level (A-Level) programs, following the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) syllabus.
The school's curriculum is broad, covering essential academic subjects such as Mathematics, English, Geography, History, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Commercial subjects like Business Studies, Accounting, and Economics are also taught, ensuring a comprehensive education that caters to various career paths.
Mt St Mary's Pass Rate
In 2024, Mt St Mary’s High School continues to uphold a solid academic reputation with a commendable A-Level pass rate of 85.3%, placing it among the top-performing mission schools in Zimbabwe.
This consistent performance reflects the school's dedication to academic excellence and student development.
In previous years, Mt St Mary’s has demonstrated similar strong results. For instance, the school's pass rates hovered around 81-83% between 2018 and 2022, consistently ranking in the top 50 for both O-Level and A-Level results across the country.
These impressive pass rates make Mt St Mary’s a reliable choice for parents seeking both academic rigor and a disciplined learning environment for their children.
The school’s mission-driven approach contributes to its enduring success in Zimbabwe's competitive educational landscape.
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Mt St Mary's High School Wedza Fees
Mt St Mary’s High School is a relatively affordable mission school.
The fees are USD $1,585 when starting Form One or Lower Six. This includes uniforms, Mission development levy ($300 once-off), Mission fund ($30 termly) and textbooks ($75 once-off).
For subsequent terms, boarding fees are approximately USD $460. These costs cover tuition, boarding, and essential services, making it an affordable option for many families
Mt St Mary’ High School Uniforms
Uniforms are available at the school and they cost as follows:
- Uniform (boys): USD $428
- Uniform (girls): USD $458
They are included in the starting fees.
Mt St Mary's High School Application & Enrollment
Form One Places 2025 enrollment at Mt St Mary's Mission 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.
The cut-off points for admission to Mount Saint Mary's High are 18 units for both boys and girls. In 2024 the school enrolled 220 girls and 120 boys into Form 1.
For Lower Six, students must also apply through EMAP once O-Level results are published.
Get instructions & tips on increasing your chances of getting a place at this school via eMap.
Boarding Life at Mt St Mary's Wedza
Requirements
Every learner should have the following
- 20 Two Quire counter books
- 30 72 page exercise books
- Raincoat blue or black in colour or an umbrella
- 30 Blue or Black pens
- Enough Khaki and plastic covers
- Iron
- 1 Cup 1 Spoon and 1 Fork
- A pair slip on (pata pata)
- 2 pairs pyjamas or night dresses
- Enough Toilet paper
- 1 bath towel and 1 drying towel
- 10-15 litres bucket
- 6 tablets bathing soap
- 2 kgs washing powder or 2/3 bars laundry soap
- Plain White Sneakers or Takies
Cellphones and electrical gadgets, especially water heaters, are not allowed.
Hostel Setup at Mt. St Mary’s High School
The school provides separate hostels for boys and girls, ensuring that each group has its own designated living space.
Each dormitory houses between 30 and 40 students. Beds are arranged at both ends of the room, while the middle section is also filled with two rows of beds, each containing approximately twelve beds.
The lack of partitions and proper organization results in a congested environment, raising concerns about privacy, comfort, and overall suitability for student accommodation. Below is the picture of Mt. St Mary's Hostel setup
Dormitory Layout:
- The students sleep on bunk beds, with each student having their assigned bed space. The bunk bed arrangement maximizes space within the dorms while maintaining order and comfort.
- Shared bathroom facilities are available within each hostel. These include toilets and showers, ensuring students have access to hygiene facilities.
- The hostels are supervised by housemasters and matrons, who enforce discipline and oversee the well-being of the students. Their presence ensures a structured environment where students can focus on their studies and personal development.
While Mt St Mary’s High School offers separate dormitories for boys and girls, a recent report highlighted some concerns regarding the dormitory conditions.
In early 2024, some students were reportedly found sleeping on the floor despite paying full fees, raising questions about overcrowding and the adequacy of hostel facilities.
Although the school strives to maintain a structured boarding environment, these issues indicate a need for improvements in accommodation standards to ensure students receive the comfortable living conditions they deserve.
Daily Life and Routines:
- The daily routine in the hostels is well-organized, with fixed times for waking up, meals, study periods, and leisure activities. Students are required to maintain cleanliness and order in their living spaces.
- Lights-out times are strictly observed, promoting a disciplined approach to time management and ensuring students get enough rest.
- Weekends offer a slightly more relaxed schedule, but students are still expected to adhere to the rules and maintain the same level of discipline.
Safety and Security:
- The school takes the security of its boarding students seriously. The hostels are locked and monitored, with staff ensuring that no unauthorized individuals enter the premises.
The boarding staff are available to address any emergencies or concerns that arise during the students' stay.
Community Building:
- Living in hostels fosters a sense of community among students, encouraging them to develop interpersonal skills and friendships.
Students share responsibilities, from cleaning their dormitories to assisting with general school tasks. This community aspect plays a significant role in their personal development.
The hostel environment at Mt St Mary's is designed to create a home-away-from-home for students, supporting both their academic and personal growth.
Diet and Meal Plan:
The school provides balanced meals with a focus on nutrition. Students receive breakfast, lunch, and supper.
The typical weekday meal plan includes porridge and bread for breakfast, sadza and stew for lunch, and rice with chicken for supper.
On weekends, the meal structure remains similar with slight variations. The school ensures that students receive all necessary nutrients for their physical and mental well-being.
Tuck
The school permits students to bring tuck to supplement the meals provided. However, certain items are strictly prohibited to ensure adherence to school guidelines and maintain a healthy diet. These banned items include:
- Tinned food items: These are often high in preservatives and are restricted to prevent unnecessary consumption of processed foods.
- Noodles: Instant noodles are discouraged due to their high sodium content and lack of nutritional value.
- Bubble-gum sweets: These are not allowed to prevent littering and maintain dental health standards.
Students are encouraged to bring healthy snacks that align with the school’s focus on balanced nutrition.
Discipline at Mt St Mary's High School
Mt St Mary’s High School is known for maintaining a strong emphasis on discipline, which plays a central role in shaping the behavior, academic focus, and character of its students.
The school's discipline policy is grounded in the core values of respect, responsibility, and integrity, reflecting its Roman Catholic ethos.
1. Strict Adherence to Rules:
Students are required to follow a clear set of rules that govern all aspects of their behavior, both in and outside the classroom.
These rules cover punctuality, dress code, academic performance, and interactions with peers and staff.
The school expects students to uphold these standards at all times, with infractions leading to consequences such as warnings, detention, or in serious cases, suspension.
2. Focus on Character Development:
Discipline at Mt St Mary’s is not merely about punishment but is aimed at fostering personal growth.
Students are taught the importance of self-discipline, which is critical for their academic success and future responsibilities.
Teachers and boarding staff work closely with students to help them develop a sense of accountability for their actions.
3. Boarding Life Discipline:
The school has strict rules governing the boarding facilities, including maintaining cleanliness, adhering to scheduled study times, and respecting curfew hours.
Housemasters and matrons supervise the students closely, ensuring that dormitory rules are observed, and any issues are addressed promptly.
Students are expected to cooperate in maintaining order within their hostels, and violations are taken seriously.
4. Religious and Moral Guidance:
As a Catholic school, Mt St Mary’s integrates religious teachings into its discipline system.
Students are encouraged to live by Christian principles, attending regular chapel services, and participating in religious education classes.
The spiritual aspect of the school's discipline policy helps foster a moral framework, guiding students toward making ethical choices in their daily lives.
5. Rewards and Positive Reinforcement:
While strict discipline is enforced, the school also uses positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
Students who excel academically or demonstrate leadership and responsibility are recognized and rewarded.
This balanced approach helps maintain a positive environment where students are motivated to follow the rules and strive for excellence.
Overall, the discipline at Mt St Mary’s is a vital part of the school’s commitment to developing well-rounded, respectful, and responsible individuals prepared for both academic success and the challenges of adulthood.
Power and Water Availability at Mt St Mary’s High School
Mt St Mary’s High School prioritizes the well-being of its students by ensuring a reliable supply of both electricity and water, which are critical for the smooth functioning of the school’s operations.
1. Power Infrastructure:
The school is connected to the national electricity grid through the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA). This ensures that classrooms, hostels, and other facilities have access to continuous power during school hours and study times.
In addition to this, Mt St Mary's has installed a solar system for backup. However, as of March 2025 the solar system was down after being struck by a bolt of lightning.
2. Water Supply:
The water crisis at Mt St Mary’s High School has become a serious, long-standing issue that continues to affect student health and well-being.
The recent outbreak of stomach problems, as highlighted in the school's February 2025 letter, has once again drawn attention to the inadequate water and sanitation facilities.
This is not a new problem—parents who attended the school over 24 years ago have reported that the water challenges have persisted since their time, with little improvement.
This ongoing issue raises significant concerns about the school’s ability to provide a safe and healthy environment for learners, making it clear that lasting solutions are urgently needed to prevent future health risks.
Parents need to be aware of this situation before considering this school.
Projects and Extracurricular Activities:
Mt St Mary's encourages students to engage in various school projects and extracurricular activities:
- Agriculture Project: Students participate in farming activities, contributing to both the school’s sustainability and their agricultural education.
- Science Fair: The school holds annual science fairs to foster innovation and interest in STEM subjects.
- Debate and Public Speaking: Mt St Mary's has active debate clubs that encourage critical thinking and communication skills.
Notably, the school was crowned the 2024 Grand Master in the prestigious Old Mutual Schools Quiz, a national competition showcasing students' intellectual prowess. This victory reflects the school's strong focus on promoting critical thinking and teamwork among its students.
Participation in national competitions like the quiz highlights the school’s commitment to holistic development, encouraging students to excel beyond the classroom and fostering a culture of academic excellence and leadership. - Sports Teams: The school excels in sports such as football, basketball, netball, and volleyball, with notable achievements in national competitions
Notable Alumni:
Prominent figures such as Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and the late Air Marshal Perrance Shiri attended Mt St Mary’s, highlighting the school’s historical significance
Problems At Mt St Mary's High School
Mt St Mary’s High School has recently faced growing concerns from parents regarding the school's management and living conditions.
In a formal letter dated March 2025, parents expressed deep frustration over several unresolved issues affecting their children’s welfare.
Key complaints included poor meal quality, unsanitary toilet facilities, overgrown grass posing safety risks, persistent cockroach infestations in hostels, exposed electrical wiring, and the suspension of evening study times due to power problems.
Additionally, parents raised alarm over the school’s declining mathematics pass rate, requesting a clear strategy to improve academic outcomes in this critical subject.
There was also concern over the transparency and fairness of the School Development Committee (SDC) operations. Parents demanded clarity on the roles, terms, and decision-making processes within the SDC, particularly regarding the management of school property and finances.
They called for democratic elections of committee members, rejecting recent alleged practices of handpicking representatives.
This public outcry highlights a serious need for immediate administrative reforms, improved infrastructure, and open communication between the school authorities and parents to rebuild trust and ensure the well-being and success of the students.
Below is a copy of the letter
Mount st Marys Parents.
1 March 2025
Mount st Marys School
Hwedza
ATT: Local Responsible Authority
CC: Headmaster
BCC: SDC Chairman
*RE: POOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE SCHOOL*
Dear Mount St. Mary's School Administration and Parents' Representatives,
We, the concerned parents are writing to express our deep disappointment and frustration with the current state of affairs at Mount St. Mary's School.
Despite our efforts to communicate our grievances through the WhatsApp group, we were unexpectedly blocked prompting us to seek redress through this formal letter and potential peaceful demonstration.
We urge you to urgently address the following pressing concerns:
1. Kitchen/Catering: Ensure students receive safe and nutritious meals,
2. Toilets: Resolve the ongoing toilet issue, which has been raised in previous school meetings.
3. Long Grass: Address the safety risk posed by overgrown grass on school premises.
4. Maths Pass Rate: Provide a plan to improve the low maths pass rate.
5. Hostel Maintenance: Fumigate hostels to eliminate cockroaches, install lights, and insulate naked wires.
6. Evening Study Time: Restore evening study time once the power issue is resolved.
We demand a comprehensive explanation of the SDC's operations, including:Decision-making process for selling school items, including valuation and disposal methods
We insist on a transparent and democratic process for electing the new SDC committee, rather than handpicking or appointing members, as conducted recently.
We expect a detailed response within 48 hours from March 3rd, 2025, outlining the steps you will take to address these concerns and provide a timeline for implementation.
Sincerely,
Mount St. Mary's Parents
Conclusion:
Mt St Mary’s High School remains a suitable option for families seeking a values-based, Catholic education focused on discipline, moral development, and academic achievement.
With relatively affordable fees and a history of strong pass rates, it appeals to those looking for quality education without the high costs of many private schools.
However, ongoing challenges—such as persistent water shortages, health concerns, overcrowded hostels, and aging infrastructure—highlight serious operational weaknesses.
Parents are advised to carefully consider both the school's strengths and its long-standing issues before making a decision.
Mt St Mary's Mission Contact Details
Contacts:
+263 77 336 3557
+263 71 672 6461
+263 77 337 1162
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Mt St Mary’s High School
P. Bag 2103, Hwedza, Zimbabwe
See other Roman Catholic Schools Here
FAQs On Mt St Mary's High School Wedza
The starting fees are $1585 when starting and then $460 per term.
In 2024 Mt St Mary's had a pass rate of 85.3% at A-level.
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would love my daughter to come.
Are there any old Mt St Mary’s students’ whatsapp, Facebook etc groups and if any, their details please ?