Private schools push back against Grade 12 directive

A directive by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture requiring private schools to urgently register Grade 12 learners with recognised examination bodies has triggered a standoff with some independent institutions.

The ministry earlier this month instructed schools offering the Independent Examinations Board International Secondary Certificate (IEB-ISC) to ensure their final-year learners are registered with an accredited examining body.

In a letter dated 9 March 2026, executive director Mbumba Haitengela said the IEB-ISC is not recognised by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) and is also not accredited within the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) framework.

He warned that learners completing their schooling with the qualification could face significant barriers when applying for tertiary education.

“Consequently, learners who complete their schooling with the IEB-ISC face serious risks of being denied admission to Namibian institutions of higher learning and other universities internationally,” the letter states.

The ministry said the directive is issued in line with the Basic Education Act, 2020, and the 2023 regulations, requiring private schools to ensure learners sit for legally recognised exit qualifications.

Schools raise concerns

However, Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool (WAP) has criticised the move, arguing that changing examination frameworks in the final year is impractical and disruptive.

School chief executive officer Alida Hill said the directive places undue pressure on learners preparing for their final examinations.

“It is unfortunate that Grade 12 learners are put through such discomfort to be expected to change curriculum in their Grade 12 year, because anyone who knows education would know that this is not possible,” Hill said.

She also raised concerns about how the issue has been communicated publicly, saying it has created anxiety among learners.

“It is also unfortunate that the newspaper article went out without warning, because it creates a lot of anxiety and uncertainty amongst our learner community,” she said.

Legal action looms

Despite the disagreement, Hill said the school remains open to engagement with the ministry.

“We are more than willing to engage with the Ministry to resolve this amicably. We have attempted to do so many times,” she said.

In a separate letter to parents dated 13 March, Hill said WAP and other schools offering the IEB-ISC curriculum under the Namibia Private Schools Organisation (NAPSO) are consulting legal advisers and preparing for possible legal action.

“We… are constantly in touch with our legal team, and are prepared for legal action if necessary,” she said.

She urged parents not to be alarmed by speculation circulating online and said contingency plans are in place.

“We have been preparing for a long time and have a contingency plan in place if necessary,” Hill added.

Ministry firm

The ministry has warned that failure to comply with the directive could have long-term consequences for learners’ academic and professional prospects.

“Failure to register these learners with a recognised examining body will compromise their eligibility for admission to tertiary institutions and have lasting negative consequences on their future,” Haitengela said.

Schools have been asked to confirm compliance in writing as discussions around the recognition of the IEB-ISC qualification continue.