The Ministry of Education, through the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA), will officially launch the 2024/2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), with 220,840 learners expected to sit for the exams beginning Monday, June 30. According to a statement from NESA, the candidates include 120,635 girls and 100,205 boys. “This marks a significant milestone in the country's commitment to equitable access to education,” the statement reads in part. ALSO READ: National exams: Experts tip students on how to study better, manage anxiety Among the total candidates, 642 learners with disabilities will receive tailored support, continuing a practice established in previous years. These accommodations include Braille-ready exam materials, large-print papers, specialized recorders, exam scribes, and extra time, all designed to ensure inclusive and fair assessment for all. To mark the start of the PLE, official launch ceremonies will be held simultaneously at six selected primary schools across the country. These include GS Institut Filipo Simaldone and EP Saint Ignace in Kigali; GS Rwamagana A in Eastern Province; EP Rubengera in Western Province; and GS Rose Mystica in Southern Province. Each event will be led by senior education officials, demonstrating collective encouragement and support for the candidates. Speaking during a national radio programme on examination preparations, Jean Claude Nzeyimana, the Head of the Basic Education and TVET Examination Department at NESA, confirmed that the exams will run from June 30 to July 3, coinciding with public holidays running from July 1 to July 4. He emphasized that examinations are considered essential activities and will proceed as planned, even during the holiday period. Nzeyimana also addressed concerns about registration, stating that the final number of candidates stands at 220,840. He stressed that no child in primary six should be barred from sitting exams. “No one is allowed to prevent a student from sitting the examination, even if they weren’t registered earlier due to sickness or other reasons,” he said. “We have an extra list for late registrations to ensure that no learner misses the opportunity.” Flora Mutezigaju, the Deputy Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), highlighted the critical role examinations play in improving the education system. “Exams help REB assess whether the curriculum is effective and whether learners can complete it within the allocated time,” she explained. “The results help us identify areas for improvement, whether in teaching methods, curriculum content, or teacher training. For instance, if a significant number of students fail mathematics, we may decide to focus teacher training in that area or consider reviewing the curriculum if it proves to be too extensive.” Data gathered from national exams also informs decisions related to learning materials and teaching strategies, making examinations a vital tool in education planning and development, she said.
