With the release of the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and Ordinary Level (S3) examination results this week, a new challenge has unfolded for many parents and guardians: finding the right school for their children. ALSO READ: National exams: Over 75% pass PLE, 64% pass O-Level As thousands of students transition from primary to secondary school, the search for institutions that meet both academic aspirations, and family preferences has become a daunting task. The pressure mounts as parents weigh different factors, ranging from the schools allocated by the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) to their own expectations about quality, location, and subject combinations. For many families, this period is as stressful as the exams themselves. ALSO READ: Five key insights from national exams results When placement does not align with expectations While NESA assigns schools to students based on performance and available spaces, some parents and guardians are not always satisfied with the allocations. In many cases, students are placed in schools far from home or in rural institutions perceived to have limited facilities. Others are offered subject combinations that parents feel do not align with their children’s abilities or long-term career aspirations. This situation often forces families to look for alternatives, and private schools become the next option. The role of private schools Private schools have increasingly become a crucial fallback option for parents dissatisfied with public school placements. However, they come with their own set of challenges, they are limited in number relative to demand, and their fees are significantly higher than those of public institutions. During the holiday period, many private schools conduct their own entrance examinations, attracting large numbers of students seeking transfers from public school allocations. Well-known private institutions in Kigali and other urban areas are reporting overwhelming interest, a sign of just how competitive the space has become. For families who can afford it, private schools are an opportunity to secure what they perceive as better academic environments, improved facilities, and stronger records of success. Parents share their struggles Parents and guardians interviewed by The New Times described the school search as one of the most stressful phases of their children’s education journey. Anastasie Umurerwa, a resident of Remera, whose child was allocated a school in Nyanza District, said the placement exercise should consider many factors, including if the standards of the school meet what parents and guardians want for their children, as well as distance. “My daughter was placed in a school far from Kigali, in Nyanza District, yet I wanted her to study in a place closer to home where I could easily monitor her progress and health,” says Umurerwa, who adds that her daughter struggles with asthma and sinusitis. “I had no choice but to look for private options, even though the fees are high,” she added. Another parent, Alodie Mukakamanzi, a resident of Ndera sector, Gasabo District, pointed out that sometimes the assigned subject combinations do not align with a child’s interests. “My son was assigned a science-heavy combination, yet he has always excelled in the arts. That prompted us to look for other schools that could better nurture his strengths,” she said. Some parents complain that their children, despite strong performance, are allocated to rural schools they perceive as having lower standards. The dilemma often becomes whether to accept the allocation or search for alternatives. “I was shocked when my son, who scored highly, was sent to a school in a far rural district that we had never even considered,” Aziz Mugaragu, another parent in Kigali said, upon the release of the results. “We had to start looking for private school options immediately.” Such stories reflect the balancing act families face between financial ability, academic preferences, and logistical convenience. NESA appeals process For families who feel strongly that their child’s placement or marks do not reflect their performance or expectations, NESA has made an appeals process available. According to an August 19 tweet from NESA, the day the results were released, students, parents, or guardians can submit appeals online through SDMS within specified timelines. “Appeals on school placement or learning pathways must be submitted within 14 days of the results publication, while appeals on examination marks can be submitted within 30 days, exclusively via SDMS by the respective Head Teachers,” the national examinations body said. NESA encourages applicants to follow the official guidelines and offers support through info@nesa.gov.rw or a toll-free line at 9070. This appeals mechanism offers an official channel for parents to request reconsideration without having to immediately resort to private school options, though the demand for alternative institutions remains high. Understanding school placement The placement of students into Senior 1 and Senior 4 takes into account multiple factors, including examination scores, the capacity of schools, and the preferences expressed by students and their parents. ALSO READ: Maths, physics record lowest scores in 2024-2025 national exams While NESA allocates students primarily based on performance, it also seeks to balance class sizes and ensure equitable distribution across schools. Individual results can be accessed online through the Student Data Management System (SDMS), allowing parents to verify allocations and plan next steps. Those dissatisfied with placements have the opportunity to submit appeals within 14 days of the results publication, ensuring that concerns about learning pathways or school choices can be formally addressed. What to consider when choosing a school Education experts emphasise that beyond the scramble, parents must approach the process with a clear understanding of what matters most for their child’s development. Factors such as the school’s academic track record, quality of teaching staff, facilities, curriculum, environment, location, and affordability should all be taken into account. Education analysts argue that while parents may feel pressured, the decision should ultimately centre on the student’s interests and long-term growth rather than short-term convenience. ALSO READ: Seven things to know about Rwanda’s new learning pathways A defining moment for families The period following the release of national examination results has become a defining moment for families across Rwanda. The search for a suitable school underscores not just the value of education, but also the sacrifices and decisions that parents are willing to make to secure a brighter future for their children. For now, parents will continue to weigh their options between public allocations, appeals, and private alternatives. What is clear is that education remains at the centre of family priorities, with sacrifices made to ensure the best possible start for the next generation. While the search may be stressful, it is also a reminder of the value parents place on education, and the critical role schools, both public and private, play in shaping Rwanda’s future. Numbers behind the results This year, a total of 220,927 candidates registered for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), with 166,334 passing, representing a 75.64 per cent pass rate. At the Ordinary Level, 149,206 candidates registered, and 95,674 passed, translating to a 64.35 per cent pass rate. These figures highlight the scale of the transition from primary to secondary education, underscoring the challenge parents and guardians face in securing the right school placements for such a large cohort of students.
