./GUIDE // GRADING_SYSTEM
The school grading system in Zambia
Secondary results in Zambia are graded 1 to 9 in each subject. 1 is the best and 9 is a fail. Here is what each grade means in marks, how the pass mark works, and how schools count the best six subjects.
The 1 to 9 grades
These are the bands printed on School Certificate and GCE statements of results, and the ones EduTrack uses for secondary report cards.
| Grade | Marks | Meaning | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 75–100% | Distinction | Pass |
| 2 | 70–74% | Distinction | Pass |
| 3 | 65–69% | Merit | Pass |
| 4 | 60–64% | Merit | Pass |
| 5 | 55–59% | Credit | Pass |
| 6 | 50–54% | Credit | Pass |
| 7 | 45–49% | Satisfactory | Pass |
| 8 | 40–44% | Satisfactory | Pass |
| 9 | 0–39% | Unsatisfactory | Fail |
Grades 1 and 2 are Distinction, 3 and 4 Merit, 5 and 6 Credit, 7 and 8 Satisfactory. For certificate decisions, ECZ's own published rules apply.
The pass mark
A subject is passed from 40%. Below 40 is grade 9, Unsatisfactory. Many colleges and employers ask for a credit (grade 6 or better) in English and Mathematics, so a pass is not always enough: check what the course or job asks for.
Best six subjects and points
Each grade is also a number of points: grade 1 is 1 point, grade 2 is 2 points, and so on, so fewer points is better. At senior secondary, a pupil's result is usually counted on their best six subjects, with English included. Six grade 1s make 6 points, the best possible.
At junior secondary, schools also count the best six subjects; at primary, every subject counts.
Divisions
Schools often sort results into divisions from the average points per subject. EduTrack uses: Division 1 up to 2 points a subject, Division 2 up to 4, Division 3 up to 6, and Division 4 above that.
Primary school
Primary schools grade their own tests, often with letters or descriptions, with the pass mark at 40%. National results for Grade 7 come from ECZ: see how to check ECZ results.
[GRADED FOR YOU]
Teachers type the marks; EduTrack gives each subject its grade and points, works out the best six and the division, and prints it all on the report card. Parents can see the results on their phone.