Tennyson Hlabangana High School is a mixed boarding school located on the outskirts of Bulawayo, in the Imbizo District of Matabeleland. It was established in 1870 and is one of the oldest in the region.
The School is owned and run by the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for both academic and extracurricular excellence.
The school is named in honour of Tennyson Hlabangana, the first black university graduate in colonial Rhodesia, and a symbol of academic excellence and resilience.
Guided by its vision “to be the lead provider of inclusive quality education for socio-economic transformation,” the school offers a holistic learning environment rooted in Christian values and a rich historical legacy. Remarkably, the late former President of Zimbabwe, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, once taught at the school.
Tenyson Hlabangana is recognized as one of the top-performing schools in Matabeleland and continues to shine. In 2023, the school made an impressive mark at the NASH Imbizo District finals, securing 15 gold medals and placing fourth overall.
This year, the school received the Secretary's Merit Award (2024) in recognition of its hard work and commitment to education.
With its solid Christian values, rich history, and commitment to holistic education, the school remains a respected institution, helping to shape future leaders.
Curriculum At Tennyson Hlabangana High School
Tennyson Hlabangana High School follows the ZIMSEC curriculum, ensuring that learners are well prepared for the National examinations. The school offers a wide range of subjects in line with the national curriculum. These include:
Languages:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Ndebele
Sciences:
- Mathematics
- Combined Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Humanities:
- History
- Geography
- Bible Knowledge (Religious and Moral Education)
Commercials:
- Commerce
- Accounts
Practical Subjects:
- Woodwork
- TEXTILE-TECHNOLOGY-AND-DESIGN
- Art
Tennyson Hlabangana High School Pass Rates
Tennyson Hlabangana High School’s 2024 pass rates are yet to be confirmed. However, previous exam results suggest a relatively low pass rate, with a 32% pass rate recorded at ZIMSEC O-Level in 2015.
Additionally, the school has not been ranked in the Top 100 Schools in recent years.
These results indicate the need for improvement in academic performance at Tennyson Hlabangana High School, highlighting the importance of investing in educational resources and student support to help students achieve higher levels of academic success.
Tennyson Hlabangana High School Fees
Tennyson Hlabangana High School can be considered an affordable boarding school, making it accessible to families seeking quality education on a budget. Below is Tennyson's fee structure:
- Boarders: USD 570 per term
- Day Scholars: USD 124 per term
The school offers both boarding and day school options, catering to learners from Bulawayo and surrounding areas.
Please note that fees are subject to change, and parents are encouraged to confirm the latest figures directly with the school administration.
Tennyson Hlabangana High School Admission Process
Enrollment for Form One Places 2025 at Tennyson Hlabangana High School is processed through the Ministry of Education’s EMAP platform. This becomes available after the release of Grade 7 results, typically in mid-November.
Parents are encouraged to contact the school's administrative office for information on boarding space availability, even after the EMAP platform has closed. The school's contact details are provided at the bottom of this post.
For more tips on using EMAP and increasing your chances of securing a place at Tennyson, refer to our detailed article.
Lower Six students can apply at the school in person. Students are not required to achieve a specific number of A's as a minimum grade. However, prospective students should have A's in the subjects they wish to study at A-Level.
Tennyson Hlabangana High School Uniforms
Tennyson Hlabangana High School has a smart and formal dress code that reflects discipline and unity. The full Uniform list is unavailable, but general Uniform guidelines include:
Girls
- Maroon blazer with school logo
- Sky blue shirt
- Grey skirt
- White ankle socks
- Black school shoes
Boys
- Maroon blaze with school logo
- Sky blue shirt
- Grey trousers
- Grey shorts tie
- Grey socks
- Black school shoes
Tennyson Hlabangana High School Boarding Requirements
Boarding students at Tennyson Hlabangana High School are expected to bring the following personal essentials at the beginning of each term:
- Sheets and blankets
- Trunk
- Toiletries
- Pyjamas
- Bucket
- Slippers
- White takkies (trainers) for sports
- Short white socks for sports
Termly Grocery List (Based on 2020 Requirements)
The grocery list below was used in 2020. For the most accurate and updated information, kindly contact the school's administration.
- Mealie Meal (Bulateke): 35 kg
- Samp (Silo): 2 kg
- Sugar Beans: 5 kg
- Rice (Parboiled): 4 kg
- Hullets Brown Sugar: 8 kg
- Cooking Oil: 2 litres
- Salt (Coarse): 1 kg
- Royco Soup – Beef (75g): 5 packets
- Rabroy Tomato Sauce (375 ml): 2 bottles
- Tea (Three Leaves): 250 g
- Spread (Stork/Buttercup): 500 g
- Mayonnaise (C&B): 750 g
- Peanut Butter: 1 litre
- Milk (Long-life Fresh): 4 litres
Extracurricular Activities
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that help build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. Students have an opportunity to participate in the following sports and more:
- Football
- Athletics
- Netball
- Chess
In addition to the sports, the school also offers a variety of clubs, including:
- Red Cross Club
- Drama Club
These activities not only provide a healthy balance to academics but also promote holistic development among learners.
Conclusion
Tennyson Hlabangana High School stands as a historic institution with a legacy rooted in education, discipline, and community values. While the school continues to work toward academic improvement, it remains a place where students are nurtured holistically academically, socially, and spiritually.
With a dedicated staff, a structured boarding environment, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, Tennyson offers a solid foundation for learners to grow into responsible, well-rounded individuals.
For parents seeking an affordable school with boarding facilities in Bulawayo, Tennyson Hlabangana remains a viable choice worth considering.
Tennyson Hlabangana High School Contact Details
Phone: +263 77 260 9700 | +263 77 814 9439
Email: [email protected]
Address: Hope Fountain, Bulawayo
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