Central Data Catalog

The Junior Secondary School Leaving Examination (JSSLE) is administered annually by the Examinations Council of Zambia to grade 9 (ISCED 2) students in general education programmes in public, private, grant-aided and community schools.

The JSSLE is a high-stake and mandatory examination that certifies completion of lower secondary general education programmes. It is a requirement for students wishing to pursue an upper secondary education (ISCED 3).

The JSSLE is administered face-to-face. It comprises a written component, delivered through paper-pencil tests, an oral component, and the production of a portfolio.

The JSSLE serves the following purposes:

- student certification for completion of lower secondary general education programmes

- student selection to higher education programmes or admission into specific courses or tracks

- promoting competition among schools

- school or educator accountability

- sub-national level monitoring of learning outcomes

- monitoring education quality levels

- planning education policy reforms

The JSSLE accommodates students with special needs, by providing the following arrangements:

- Hearing impairment: sign language interpreters

- Visual impairment: test materials with large fonts and in braille

- Physical disability: additional time

- Emotional disturbance: additional time

Census (all students at the given grades or ages)

Results are reported at the student, school, sub-national and national levels. Data are disaggregated by sex, geographic location (urban and rural), major cities and type of schools (public, private, grant-aided and community).

Results are published in reports, which are available in print and online. Examination results are broadcasted on the radio and on television, and published in the media.