A-Level Exam Results: Upcountry Schools Dominate Again, Kigali Falls Short

By The Inspirer.

For the second consecutive year, schools in Kigali failed to secure spots in the top rankings of the Advanced Level (A-Level) national examination results, announced on November 15. All the top 18 performers hail from schools in Rwanda’s upcountry provinces, continuing a notable trend from 2023.

The Southern Province emerged as the leader with eight top-performing students, followed by the Western Province with six. The Northern Province produced three top achievers, while the Eastern Province had one. In stark contrast, no students from the City of Kigali were among the top performers.

The list of top-ranking schools includes notable names such as ESTB Busogo, Lycée Saint Alexandre Sauli de Muhura, Kivu Hills Academy (which had two students in the top list), École d’Art de Nyundo, Nyanza TSS (with two students), Rwanda Coding Academy, IPRC West/TSS, Saint Laurent de Gaseke TSS, GS Murama, École des Sciences Byimana, Collège du Christ-Roi, G.S.O Butare, TTC Save (with three students), and TTC Mururu.

Parents Share Keys to Success

Parents of these outstanding students credit success to motivation, discipline, and unwavering support from home, challenging the notion that a school’s location determines a student’s academic performance.

Innocent Munywera, a 64-year-old parent from Rutsiro District, stressed the importance of parental involvement.
“It’s not about where the school is; it’s about how motivated the student is. Parents must support their children, help them overcome challenges, and ensure they stay focused,” Munywera said. He added that while teachers play a vital role, parental guidance is equally critical.

Jean Damascene Ntibarikure, a parent from Gicumbi District, expressed pride in his son’s national-level performance at a 12-Year Basic Education (12YBE) school in upcountry.
“I ensured my son had everything he needed for school without delay,” he said. “There’s no real difference between day schools and boarding schools; the mindset is what matters. Parents must shift their perceptions about rural schools.”

A Shift in the Educational Landscape

The consistent dominance of upcountry schools raises questions about educational strategies and highlights the potential of rural institutions to produce top-tier talent. Kigali schools, once considered leaders in academic excellence, now face the challenge of regaining their competitive edge in future rankings.