Usher High School Profile & Parent Reviews For 2025 💒

Usher Girls High School Institute (1)

Usher Girls High School, officially known as Usher Institute, was established by the Salvation Army Church at Woodleigh Farm near Figtree, Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province.

It is currently a girl's school but it will start enrolling boys in 2025. The school allows girls to plait their hair.

Access to Usher High School is relatively convenient, with the journey primarily on well-maintained roads. The school is located about 10 kilometers from the nearest major access point, with a stretch of approximately 10 kilometers of dirt road leading directly to the campus.

The rest of the route consists of tarred roads, ensuring a smooth travel experience for both students and visitors

Curriculum and Syllabus

Usher High School follows the ZIMSEC (Zimbabwe School Examinations Council) syllabus, which is well-established and recognized across the country.

This curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education, preparing students for both O-Level and A-Level examinations.

Subjects offered under the ZIMSEC syllabus include a variety of academic disciplines, ensuring that students receive a balanced education. Common subjects include:

  • Mathematics
  • English Language
  • Shona or Ndebele
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Geography
  • History

These subjects equip students with essential knowledge and skills, fostering critical thinking and analytical abilities.

Looking ahead, Usher High School is considering the introduction of the Cambridge syllabus starting in 2025.

This expansion could offer students additional pathways to international qualifications, enhancing their educational opportunities and broadening their horizons for further studies abroad.

The potential addition of the Cambridge syllabus reflects the school's commitment to adapting to changing educational demands and ensuring that students have access to a diverse range of learning options.

Usher Girls High School Pass Rate

In 2024, Usher High School achieved impressive academic results, reflecting its commitment to educational excellence.

The school recorded an O-Level pass rate of 87%, a significant indicator of the students' preparedness for further academic challenges.

This high pass rate highlights the effectiveness of the school's curriculum and teaching methodologies, providing students with the foundational knowledge needed to succeed.

At the A-Level, Usher High School achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate, underscoring the school's dedication to supporting students through their advanced studies.

Such outstanding results at the A-Level demonstrate the school's capacity to nurture and prepare students for higher education and future careers, making it an attractive option for parents seeking quality education for their children.

These achievements not only reflect the hard work of the students and teachers but also indicate the supportive learning environment fostered at Usher High School.

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Usher High School Fees

Usher High School charges termly fees of approximately $625 for boarding students. This fee structure reflects the school's commitment to providing quality education and facilities, including accommodations, meals, and access to educational resources​

​The fees at Usher High School are designed to offer a comprehensive educational experience, ensuring that students have the necessary support and resources to excel academically while also participating in sports and clubs

Usher High School Uniforms

Usher High School prioritizes uniformity and convenience by providing school uniforms directly on campus.

This initiative ensures that students adhere to the school's dress code while also alleviating the burden on parents to source uniforms from various suppliers.

The full uniform package is priced at approximately $176, which includes all necessary items to meet the school's uniform requirements.

This pricing is designed to be accessible for families, ensuring that every student can participate fully in school activities without concerns about uniform availability or costs.

By offering uniforms on-site, Usher High School fosters a sense of community and belonging among its students while promoting a disciplined academic environment.

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Usher High School Application & Enrollment

Usher High School's Form One enrollment for 2025 is conducted via the Ministry of Education’s EMAP platform, which opens after the release of Grade 7 results, typically around mid-November.

Admission is highly competitive, with a cut-off of 15 units, meaning only top performers are admitted.

However, this can change depending on the pass rate for the year.

For Lower Six entry, students also apply through EMAP once O-Level results are out.

To improve your chances of securing a spot, follow the instructions and tips available for navigating the EMAP platform effectively.

Hostel Setup at Usher High School

Usher High School accommodates 34 Form One students in a 10-room dormitory, reflecting a commitment to providing a structured living environment.

This setup fosters camaraderie and community among the younger students, although it may lead to a shared arrangement in some rooms​

As students progress to higher forms, the accommodation numbers improve, indicating that the school has made provisions for better living conditions as students advance in their education.

This approach not only enhances comfort but also ensures that older students benefit from a more spacious and supportive living environment​

In recent years, the school faced challenges, including a fire incident that affected one of its girls' dormitories.

Fortunately, no students were injured during the incident, but it highlighted the importance of safety measures within the hostel environment.

Following this, efforts have been made to enhance fire safety protocols and overall accommodation conditions to ensure that students feel secure and supported.

The school provides a range of amenities within the hostels to cater to the needs of its boarders. These include well-furnished sleeping quarters, communal areas for relaxation and socializing, and dedicated staff to supervise and support students.

This structure not only helps create a nurturing environment but also promotes camaraderie among students, which is essential for their social development.

Diet & Meal Plan

Usher High School places a strong emphasis on providing a nutritious diet to support the health and well-being of its students.

The meal plan is well-balanced, featuring a variety of food items that cater to the dietary needs of growing adolescents. Daily meals typically include protein sources such as chicken and beef, along with essential vegetables like cabbage and beans.

Additionally, students are served staple foods such as rice and sadza.

This thoughtful meal plan not only ensures that students receive adequate nutrition to fuel their academic and extracurricular activities but also introduces them to traditional Zimbabwean cuisine.

By including familiar dishes, Usher High School fosters a sense of comfort and belonging among its boarders.

The school's commitment to a good diet reflects its understanding of the importance of nutrition in enhancing cognitive function and overall student performance.

Tuck Policy

Usher High School encourages students to bring tuck (snacks) to school, allowing them to enjoy treats during break times.

There is no limit on the types of tuck students can bring, fostering a sense of independence and personal choice in their snack selections​

However, the school has specific guidelines regarding the types of tuck permitted. Notably, students are prohibited from bringing canned items.

This policy is likely in place to promote health and safety, ensuring that snacks are fresh and suitable for consumption​

By allowing tuck without stringent restrictions (aside from the ban on tins), Usher High School provides flexibility for students to enjoy a variety of snacks, which can enhance their social experience during meal breaks.

This approach not only supports student autonomy but also encourages healthy eating habits by allowing parents to prepare and pack nutritious options for their children.

Water and Power Availability

Usher High School is well-equipped in terms of essential utilities, ensuring a comfortable and conducive environment for both learning and living.

The school relies on boreholes for its water supply, which provides a consistent and sustainable source of clean water for students and staff alike.

This system is particularly advantageous in rural areas, where access to municipal water may be limited or unreliable.

The availability of borehole water not only supports daily hygiene and sanitation needs but also contributes to the overall health and well-being of the school community.

In terms of energy, Usher High School operates using electricity, which powers essential facilities and services across the campus.

The use of electricity enables the school to maintain a modern educational environment, facilitating effective teaching and learning through the use of electronic resources and equipment.

This infrastructure also supports student comfort in boarding accommodations and common areas.

By ensuring reliable access to both water and electricity, Usher High School demonstrates its commitment to providing a quality educational experience, where students can thrive both academically and socially.

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Infrastructure

Usher High School boasts a well-constructed and thoughtfully designed infrastructure that supports a conducive learning environment.

The school's buildings are robust, reflecting a commitment to quality construction and maintenance.

This attention to detail ensures that classrooms, dormitories, and recreational facilities are safe and comfortable for students​

The school facilities are designed to cater to a wide range of educational activities, with dedicated spaces for both academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Classrooms are equipped to facilitate modern teaching methods, enabling educators to effectively engage with students.

Additionally, Usher High School provides areas for sports and recreational activities, which are essential for fostering teamwork and physical fitness among students​

In terms of overall layout, the campus is organized to promote accessibility and movement, ensuring that students can navigate easily between different facilities.

This design not only enhances the daily experience of students but also encourages a sense of community within the school​

Overall, Usher High School's infrastructure plays a crucial role in its mission to provide a quality education.

Discipline

Usher High School is recognized for its strict disciplinary standards, which contribute to a well-ordered and focused educational environment.

The school's commitment to maintaining discipline ensures that students are aware of behavioral expectations, fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning and personal development​​

The emphasis on discipline is reflected in the school's policies and routines, which are designed to instill respect, responsibility, and accountability among students.

These guidelines are enforced consistently, creating a structured environment where students understand the importance of adhering to rules and regulations​

By implementing a strict discipline system, Usher High School not only promotes academic excellence but also prepares students for future challenges in their personal and professional lives.

This focus on orderliness helps cultivate a positive school culture where students can thrive academically while developing essential life skill.

However, in a disturbing incident, two pupils from Usher Girls High School recently attracted attention after hosting a mock lesbian wedding ceremony, complete with vows and decorations, which was attended by their classmates.

The headmistress intervened when she heard the celebrations, leading to the involvement of school authorities, who subsequently issued transfer letters to the students.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education emphasized that such activities disrupt academic focus and will not be tolerated.

Projects at Usher High School

Usher High School is proactive in integrating practical projects into its curriculum, enhancing students' learning experiences while also contributing to the school's self-sustainability.

Notable projects include the raising of chickens for eggs and meat and the cultivation of vegetables to supply the school cafeteria​

Chickens for Eggs and Meat

The poultry project serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it provides students with hands-on experience in animal husbandry, teaching them valuable skills related to poultry management, feeding, and care​

Secondly, it ensures a fresh supply of eggs and meat for the school's cafeteria, reducing reliance on external suppliers and promoting a farm-to-table approach​

This initiative not only enhances the nutritional quality of meals served but also helps lower food costs for the school.

Vegetable Cultivation

In addition to poultry, the school has established a vegetable garden that supplies fresh produce to the cafeteria. This project involves students in various agricultural practices, including planting, cultivating, and harvesting vegetables.

Engaging in this hands-on learning experience not only enriches their understanding of food production but also emphasizes the importance of healthy eating​

Both projects embody the school's commitment to fostering practical skills and promoting sustainability. They encourage students to appreciate the value of agriculture and food security while providing nutritious meals that support their academic success.

Such initiatives also align with the school's educational philosophy of integrating practical life skills into the academic curriculum.

Sports and Clubs at Usher High School

Usher High School has a strong emphasis on sports and extracurricular activities, providing students with numerous opportunities to excel in various disciplines.

The school's athletics team achieved significant recognition by securing first place in the girls' category at the SASSA Athletics competitions held in January of this year, highlighting the talent and dedication of its athletes​

In previous years, the school showcased its academic prowess as well. Two students participated in the international Quiz and Spelling Bee competition in Botswana, and three of its pupils qualified for the next round in Namibia​

Such competitions foster critical thinking and enhance public speaking skills among participants.

The school's commitment to intellectual development extends to debate, with boys from Usher High set to compete at the High Schools national debate competitions at Mutare Boys High​

Additionally, the basketball and volleyball teams have actively engaged in national competitions, participating in events held in Victoria Falls and Harare respectively​

These achievements reflect Usher High School's dedication to fostering a well-rounded education, enabling students to thrive in both academics and sports.

Conclusion

Usher High School presents a viable option for parents seeking an affordable yet quality education for their children.

With termly fees of approximately $625 for boarding students, the school offers a cost-effective alternative while maintaining decent academic performance, evidenced by its 87% pass rate at O-Level and 100% at A-Level.

The school's well-developed infrastructure ensures a comfortable learning environment, while its focus on providing a balanced diet and engaging in hands-on projects, such as poultry and vegetable farming, enhances the overall educational experience.

However, prospective parents should be aware of recent issues that could be concerning. The school faced controversy with a mock wedding incident involving pupils, which has drawn attention to the need for stricter disciplinary measures.

Additionally, there have been discussions around student relationships that could pose challenges for the school environment.

Despite these challenges, Usher High School remains well-suited for families looking for a supportive and enriching educational atmosphere.

It is particularly ideal for students who thrive in a hands-on learning environment and appreciate a school that balances academics with practical life skills.

Usher Girls High Contact Details

Cell: +263 71 279 7431 (Snr Woman)

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Usher High School Pictures

See the pictures of the school. Click on each image to enlarge it.

FAQs On Usher High School

What is the pass rate for Usher High School?

In 2024 the school had an 87% pass rate at O-Level & 100% at A-Level.

How much are the fees for Usher High School?

The boarding fees at Usher Girls High School are $625 per term. When starting you should budget around $1000 to cover everything.

How much are Usher High School Uniforms?

The uniforms cost $176 and they are available at the school.

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