Some schools in Ngoma District that achieved a 100% pass rate in the 2024–2025 national examinations revealed the key factors that helped the district rank among the top in the country in both primary and secondary education.
In the recent 2024–2025 national exams, Ngoma District ranked third nationwide in primary schools with a pass rate of 90.93%, and second in lower secondary (Ordinary Level) with 78.8%.
MUHAZIYACU spoke with some of the schools that attained a 100% pass rate to learn the secrets behind their success.
The headteacher of GS Gasetsa TSS, Murwanashyaka Antoine, said that in Ordinary Level (S3), all 72 students passed, with the top student scoring 91% and the lowest 73%, and all received admission letters to Senior Four.
In their Technical Secondary School (TSS) section, 56 students were examined in construction, tailoring, and animal health. In the animal health option, 18 students sat for the exams, with the top scoring 91% and the lowest 82%.
Murwanashyaka explained:
“The student who scored 91% was the best in Ngoma District and also ranked first nationally. The secret is teamwork and a good working environment among staff. When teachers and staff communicate well and take responsibility as if they’re working for themselves, success follows.”
He added:
“Another key factor is student discipline. When discipline is strong, success naturally follows. We also regularly test our students, ensure teachers complete the syllabus early, and leave enough time for revision and preparation for national exams.”
Sr. Stella Kanyunyuzi Mukamusoni, head of St Therese School in Murama Sector, said they conducted frequent assessments and gave special support to struggling students.
She said:
“It’s about collaboration among parents, teachers, the school administration, and the students. We worked hard to assess learners frequently, and local government leaders also supported us throughout.”
St Therese School presented 45 candidates — all passed and received admission letters to secondary school.
At GS Jarama TSS, headteacher Makuza Athanase said they had 72 primary candidates, all of whom passed, with the lowest scoring 57%. In Ordinary Level, 61 students sat for exams, all of whom passed and advanced to Senior Four.
He noted:
“Our secret was teamwork — cooperation between parents, teachers, and students. Every morning, teachers met with students preparing for exams to assist them. We also implemented strict school management systems, including student leadership teams responsible for discipline, cleanliness, welfare, and academics.”
The idea of achieving a 100% pass rate was also discussed during the Education Conference held under the theme:
“Every child learns successfully without fail — let’s build knowledgeable, value-driven students to prepare for Rwanda’s bright future.”
The conference brought together heads of 129 schools from Ngoma District and local leaders to review the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, identify areas for improvement, and evaluate performance from 2024–2025.
The District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, Mapambano Nyiridandi Cyriaque, congratulated the high-performing schools and urged all institutions to improve where they fell short.
He said:
“Even though our district ranked second both in primary and secondary levels last year, some schools still performed better than others. This meeting helps us share best practices so that all schools can learn and improve, ensuring we maintain — and even surpass — our current performance.”
The meeting concluded with resolutions focusing on improving student attendance, teacher engagement, and consistent monitoring — all to be enforced through signed performance contracts.
Finally, 66 schools that achieved a 100% pass rate were recognized and awarded certificates of appreciation. Among them, five schools received trophies for exceptional performance: EP Inganji, St Therese Primary School, GS Kansana, GS Jarama TSS na GS Gasetsa TSS.
Additionally, two sectors — Sake (for primary) and Jarama (for lower secondary) — received trophies for their outstanding results.
