Rwanda’s 2024/25 National Exam Results Show Improved Performance

By The Inspirer.

The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) has announced that students performed better in the 2024/25 national examinations compared to last year, with more learners achieving higher grades in both primary and lower secondary levels.

According to official figures released on Tuesday, 201,900 candidates registered for the Primary Leaving Examinations (P6). Of these, 166,633 passed, representing a pass rate of 75.64%. Girls accounted for 53.2% of successful candidates, while boys made up 46.8%.

At the O’Level (S3) stage, 148,702 students sat for the exams, with 95,674 passing, translating to a 64.35% success rate. Girls once again slightly outperformed boys, achieving 50.2% of the passes compared to 49.8% for boys.

Dr. Bahati Bernard, Director General of the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA), said overall performance improved significantly compared to the 2023/24 academic year.
“Last year, students who scored between 0–10% were 126, but this year the number dropped to 36. This means the proportion of learners with very low marks has declined considerably,” Dr. Bahati explained.

He added that the number of students within the main pass grade band nearly doubled compared to last year, showing a steady rise in learning outcomes.

Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana said the government’s priority is to strengthen the quality of education in line with Rwanda’s Vision 2050. He urged students, parents, and teachers to work together to achieve this goal.
“We must put in more effort—students, teachers, and parents—so that learners acquire the knowledge and skills they need. This is what will help them succeed and drive our nation’s development,” Minister Nsengimana said.

Some top performers attributed their success to discipline and hard work.
“I owe my good results to dedication and my determination to succeed,” said Ishimwe Keza Gerardine, a pupil from Bugesera District who scored 98.8%.
Ihirwe Kanimba Honorette from New Vision Primary School in Huye added: “I followed my teachers’ advice, and my parents constantly encouraged me to study hard so I could achieve my dream of becoming a doctor.”

Despite the overall progress, gaps remain in some key subjects. At the primary level, Mathematics recorded a pass rate of just 27%, while Physics in lower secondary stood at 27.55%. By contrast, Kinyarwanda achieved a 98% pass rate, English 72%, Science and Technology 71%, and General Knowledge and Religious Studies 75%.

Performance also varied across school types. Private schools led with a 77% pass rate, while government schools achieved 65% and government-aided schools 63%.

Education officials say the results reflect progress in Rwanda’s education system but also highlight the need for greater investment in science and mathematics learning.