Implications of Abolition of the grade 9 cut-off points in Rural High School: The case of Mwandi High School in Sesheke District of the Western Province of Zambia

The purpose of the study was to investigate teachers’ and pupils’ perceived implications of the abolition of Grade 9 cut-off points at Mwandi High School in Sesheke District of the Western Province of Zambia. A case study approach was used in conducting this research. Data was collected through questionnaires, one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. The sample comprised of 90 pupils, 8 class teachers, one head teacher, one deputy head teacher and one head of department. Although the study mainly used the qualitative method in the collection of data, quantitative method was also used to complement the qualitative method. The study revealed that no consideration was given to the negative impact that the policy would have on the quality of education. The findings of the study showed that there was a critical shortage of qualified teachers at Mwandi High School and disproportionate teacher- pupil ratios. There was also overcrowding in the classrooms at Mwandi High School and this had a myriad of implications on quality. Arising from the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made: The Ministry of Education should ensure that the number of teachers they recruit per year match with the increase in pupil enrolments; and the government should provide appropriate and sufficient infrastructure at Mwandi High School. Efforts to rehabilitate existing infrastructure in the school must be doubled so as to improve the quality of education, provide adequate teaching and learning materials