Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
85,898 of the 95,036 candidates, who sat for the General Certificate Examinations between 27th July and 31st August, 2015 have obtained the GCE Certificates representing a pass rate of 90.38%.
General Education Minister, John Phiri has told a media briefing in Lusaka today that of those who sat for exams 29,407 were male while 56,491 were female.
Dr Phiri says there was an increase in the proportion of candidates that obtained GCE certificates from 77.45 percent that was recorded in 2014 to 90.38 percent in 2015.
He says the performance by subject indicates that a higher proportion of female candidates obtained grades of credit in social sciences and business studies their male counterparts.
He says in English a high number of male candidates obtained credits in English and literature than female.
Dr Phiri has however attributed the poor performance; especially in mathematics and sciences to a recurring challenge for both school leavers and non-school leavers.
He also disclosed that 105 cases of cheating were reported despite the examination being leakage free.
Dr Phiri says these were in form of assistance, copying, smuggling of unauthorized materials into examination rooms, impersonation and collusion.
And Dr Phiri Minister has since directed the Directorate of Open and Distance Education to provide innovative instructional materials in mathematics and Sciences which could be accessed by GCE candidates, the majority of whom are out of school.
Dr. Phiri has also directed Head teachers whose institutions are GCE centres to avoid charging exorbitant tuition fees that are outside the guidelines and regulations provided by the ministry.