The Essentials
Type of School: Boarding, Day, Private
Fees per term: USSD600.00 to USSD800.00
Address: Private Bag P5271, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Phone Number: +263 83 358/252
Headmaster: Mr. Abinol Matsiwe
Number of pupils:700+
Age Range:12-18
Email: ushersecondary@yahoo.co.uk
Website: https://usherhigh.wordpress.com/
Church: Catholic
Table Of Contents
- Overview
- Contact Details
- Address
- Location
- School Fees
- Courses & Programs
- Vacancies and Entry Requirements
- Logo
- School Uniform
- Notable Alumni
- Pros and Cons
- Author’s Review
Overview
Usher High School is a co-educational government boarding school located in the Matabeleland region of Zimbabwe, close to the town of Plumtree. Founded by the Methodist Church, the school emphasizes academic excellence, discipline, and holistic student development, all grounded in Christian values.
It serves both boys and girls and offers educational programs from Form 1 to Form 6, covering both Ordinary Level (O-Level) and Advanced Level (A-Level) studies.
Religious Background
As a school founded by the Methodist Church, Usher High School promotes Christian teachings and values. Religious activities such as prayer sessions, Bible studies, and worship services are integral parts of the school’s routine. The school strives to instill moral values like honesty, integrity, and respect in its students.
Discipline and Values
The school is well-known for its strict emphasis on discipline. Students are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respect, responsibility, and academic diligence. Discipline is reinforced through various channels such as prefects, housemasters, and school administrators.
Boarding Facilities
Usher High School is primarily a boarding school, offering a structured and supportive environment for its students. The school has separate boarding houses for boys and girls, with students expected to follow strict rules and schedules.
Facilities
Usher High School provides essential facilities that support both academic and extracurricular activities, including:
Classrooms equipped for effective learning
Science laboratories for practical experiments
A well-stocked library for research and study
Sports fields and courts for various sporting events
Boarding houses for accommodation of students
Community and Outreach Programs
The school fosters a sense of social responsibility by encouraging students to participate in community service and outreach programs. These programs help students develop empathy, leadership skills, and an awareness of social issues.
Academic Excellence
Usher High School is known for producing good results in both O-Level and A-Level ZIMSEC examinations. The school maintains a culture of academic excellence by providing a conducive learning environment, well-trained teachers, and access to learning resources.
Alumni and Reputation
Many alumni of Usher High School have gone on to become successful professionals in various fields, contributing to the school’s positive reputation in Zimbabwe. The alumni network remains active in supporting the school’s development through initiatives such as mentorship programs and fundraising.
Usher High School Contact Details
You can contact Usher High School via their landline, email or you can visit their website for further contact details.
Phone Number: +263 83 358/252
Email: ushersecondary@yahoo.co.uk
Website: https://usherhigh.wordpress.com/
Usher High School Address
Private Bag P5271, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Usher High School Location
Usher High School is situated in the Bulilima district under the Matebeleland South province of Zimbabwe approximately 50km away from Bulawayo and 10 km away from the Bulawayo – Plumtree highway.
Usher High School Fees
Usher High School’s fees is currently standing between USSD600.00 to USSD800.00 per term. Please visit the website for more correct information or call them on their office number as fees can change at any term or year.
Usher High School Courses & Programs
Usher High School offers a variety of subjects at both Ordinary Level (O-Level) and Advanced Level (A-Level), following the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) curriculum.
O-Level (Form 1 - Form 4)
At the O-Level, students are prepared for the ZIMSEC national examinations. The subjects offered typically cover core academic areas and elective options to cater to diverse student interests.
Core Subjects (Compulsory): English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science (covering basics of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology)
Optional Subjects:
Students can choose from a range of additional subjects based on their academic preferences and career interests: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, History, Religious Studies (Divinity), Ndebele, Commerce, Business Studies, Agriculture, Computer Science/ICT, Art and Design, Fashion and Fabrics, Food and Nutrition, Physical Education (PE)
A-Level (Form 5 - Form 6)
At the A-Level, students specialize in a smaller selection of subjects, typically focusing on three or four, which are crucial for university admissions or career paths. The school offers a combination of science, commercial, and arts subjects.
Science Stream: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Commercial Stream: Business Studies, Accounting, Economics
Arts and Humanities Stream: Geography, History, Divinity (Religious Studies), Literature in English, Ndebele
Co-Curricular Programs
In addition to academic subjects, Usher High School emphasizes the importance of co-curricular activities that contribute to the holistic development of students:
Sports: Soccer, netball, basketball, volleyball, athletics, and more.
Cultural Activities: Traditional dance, music, drama.
Clubs and Societies: Debate club, environmental club, scripture union, public speaking.
Community Outreach: Involvement in charity work and community service.
Technical and Vocational Skills (O-Level)
To equip students with practical skills, the school offers technical subjects such as:
Agriculture, Fashion and Fabrics, Food and Nutrition, Art and Design
Usher High School Vacancies and Entry Requirements
Usher High School has specific vacancies and entry requirements for students looking to enroll in Form 1 and Form 5. Admission to the school is competitive, emphasizing academic performance, discipline, and alignment with the school’s values.
Vacancies
Form 1 (O-Level Entry)
Vacancies: Usher High School typically has a limited number of spaces available for incoming Form 1 students each year. The number of vacancies depends on the school’s overall capacity and the number of students transitioning to higher levels.
Admission Period: Applications for Form 1 are generally opened after the release of the Grade 7 national exam results.
Form 5 (A-Level Entry)
Vacancies: Similar to Form 1, the school offers limited spaces for Form 5 admissions. The number of vacancies is influenced by the number of students completing Form 4 and the school’s capacity to accommodate new students.
Admission Period: Applications for Form 5 typically open after the release of O-Level results.
Entry Requirements
Form 1 (O-Level Entry)
Students seeking admission into Form 1 must meet the following criteria:
Grade 7 National Exam Results: Applicants must present strong results from their Grade 7 national exams, with a focus on performance in English and Mathematics.
Entrance Examination: An entrance examination may be administered by the school to assess the academic capabilities of prospective students, particularly in English, Mathematics, and general knowledge.
Interview: Selected candidates may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process to assess their suitability for the school environment.
Age Requirement: Candidates should generally be around 12–13 years old at the time of entry into Form 1.
Christian Values: While the school welcomes students from various backgrounds, there is a preference for those who demonstrate alignment with the Christian values upheld by the school.
For Form 5 (A-Level Entry)
Students seeking admission into Form 5 must meet the following requirements:
O-Level Results: Applicants should have passed a minimum of 5 O-Level subjects, with English Language being compulsory. Some combinations may require a pass in Mathematics.
Minimum Grades: A minimum of Grade C in relevant subjects is often required. For example, students intending to pursue science-related A-Level subjects should have strong O-Level results in Mathematics and the respective sciences.
Subject Combinations: Students must choose their desired A-Level subjects, which should align with their O-Level performance. Popular combinations include:
Sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Commercials: Business Studies, Accounting, Economics
Arts: Literature in English, History, Religious Studies
Entrance Exam/Interview: Some applicants may need to attend an entrance exam or interview to determine their fit for the desired subjects.
Discipline Record: A recommendation or disciplinary record from the previous school may be required to ensure the student meets the school’s standards of conduct and discipline.
Application Process
Step 1: Obtain the application form from the school’s office or website.
Step 2: Complete and submit the application form along with required documents (e.g., Grade 7 results, O-Level results, birth certificate, previous school reports).
Step 3: Attend any entrance examinations or interviews as required.
Step 4: Wait for feedback on admission status, typically communicated via official letters or phone calls.
Additional Considerations
Boarding vs. Day Scholar: Usher High School primarily serves as a boarding institution. Applicants who wish to board must indicate this preference during the application process. Boarding students must adhere to specific rules and regulations set by the school.
Fees: School fees may vary based on whether a student is a boarder or a day scholar. Parents should be prepared to meet the financial requirements as outlined by the school.
Application Timeline: Form 1 Applications: Usually open after Grade 7 results are released (around December).
Form 5 Applications: Typically open after O-Level results are published (around February).
Usher High School Logo
Below is the logo of Usher High School with excellent quality and it is available to download in PNG (transparent file) JPEG and PDF.
Usher High School logo
Usher High School Pros and Cons
Pros
Strong Academic Curriculum: Offers a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with the ZIMSEC syllabus for both O-Level and A-Level, providing students with a solid academic foundation.
Holistic Development: Focuses on not just academics but also spiritual, moral, and social development, instilling values based on Christian teachings.
Discipline and Structure: Known for its emphasis on discipline, creating a structured environment that promotes responsibility and respect among students.
Boarding Facilities: Provides boarding facilities that create a supportive community for students, helping them to focus on their studies without external distractions.
Co-Curricular Activities: Encourages participation in various sports, cultural activities, and clubs, fostering teamwork, leadership, and personal growth.
Community Engagement: Engages students in community service and outreach programs, helping them develop a sense of social responsibility and empathy.
Good Track Record: Has a reputation for producing good results in national examinations, with many alumni achieving success in various fields.
Qualified Staff: Staffed with qualified and dedicated teachers who are committed to students’ academic success and personal development.
Cons
Limited Vacancies: Competitive admission process with limited spots available for new students, making it difficult for some applicants to secure a place.
Strict Discipline Policies: The emphasis on discipline may be viewed as overly strict by some students and parents, potentially leading to a less relaxed school environment.
Boarding Costs: Boarding facilities may come with high fees, which could be a financial burden for some families.
Limited Subject Offerings: While the school offers a solid curriculum, some students may find that certain specialized subjects or vocational training options are not available.
Religious Affiliation: The school’s Christian ethos may not resonate with all students, particularly those from different religious backgrounds, which could create a sense of exclusion for some.
Distance from Urban Areas: Being located in a rural area, access to urban amenities may be limited, which can affect students’ extracurricular options and social activities outside of school.
Pressure to Perform: The strong focus on academic performance may create pressure on students, leading to stress or anxiety, especially during exam periods.
Cultural Integration: As a boarding school, students from diverse backgrounds may face challenges in adapting to the school’s culture and community dynamics.
Author's Review
Usher High School stands out as a reputable institution committed to fostering academic excellence and holistic development. With a strong curriculum aligned with the ZIMSEC syllabus, a focus on moral and spiritual growth, and a supportive boarding environment, the school effectively prepares students for both academic success and personal growth.
The variety of co-curricular activities and community engagement initiatives further enriches the student experience, cultivating well-rounded individuals.
However, prospective students and parents should be mindful of the competitive admission process, the strict disciplinary policies, and the potential financial implications of boarding. The school’s Christian ethos may resonate differently with individuals from diverse backgrounds, making it essential for families to consider their values and expectations.
Ultimately, Usher High School offers a nurturing environment for students seeking a balanced education grounded in discipline and integrity. Those who thrive in structured settings and appreciate the integration of academic and moral education will likely find it a fulfilling choice for their educational journey.
