Bernard Mizeki College Biography

Background

Bernard Mizeki College is an independent Anglican boys’ boarding secondary school. Situated about 13.5 km northeast of Marondera, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe, it was established in memory of Bernard Mizeki, an African martyr killed nearby in 1896

The school was founded through an Anglican Church trust, with its deed registered in 1958, and officially opened in January 1961 under the leadership of Peter Holmes Canham

Foundation & Purpose

A steering committee chaired by Bishop Cecil Alderson and Canon Robert Grinham initiated the project. The college was funded through a £40,000 pledge made at the Lambeth Conference in 1959, with contributions from the Beit Trust and other donors. Its core aim was to provide high-quality education to African boys akin to that of elite schools like Eton and Peterhouse

Although envisioned as multiracial, the school primarily enrolled African boys due to social realities at the time

Motto, Badge & School Colours

• Motto (Latin): Liberavi Animum Meum, translated as “I have liberated my mind.”
• Emblem/Badge: Designed in 1960 by Mr Watambwa. It features a shield bearing a cross with two spears diagonally overlaid, surmounted by a martyr's crown. The motto appears on a ribbon beneath
• Uniform colours: The formal uniform includes a peach blazer embroidered with the badge, charcoal‑grey trousers or shorts, and a maroon school tie bearing the badge. Sixth formers wear blue shirts and a study-area tie; others wear white shirts School and College

Academic & Student Body

Bernard Mizeki College serves Forms 1 through 6, offering both Zimbabwean ZIMSEC O‑Level and A‑Level programmes, as well as Cambridge International qualifications. The curriculum covers sciences, humanities, commercial, technical, and language subjects, supported by learning‑support services for students with difficulties

Academic performance has been strong in recent years: in 2014, the school attained a 96.97% A‑Level pass rate (ranked 7th in Mashonaland East, 53rd nationally) and an 86.11% O‑Level pass rate (ranked 29th) with 71 candidates. In 2024, it recorded a 93.9% A‑Level pass rate, ranking among the country's top schools

Leadership

Headmaster: Mr Howard A. Mathews since late 2021 or earlier. He previously led other schools and studied in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the UK
Under his leadership, the college was readmitted to the Association of Trust Schools (ATS) and the Conference of Heads of Independent Schools (CHISZ) in March 2025, and joined the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC)

Facility & Extracurricular Highlights

In 2023–2024, new infrastructure included a 1,000,000 L water reservoir, pipelines from a nearby dam, two new tennis courts, and four basketball courts. A multi-purpose pavilion is also being planned with support from the Old Mizekians Association

Sports have a long history at the school. Before Zimbabwe’s independence, it was the only African school allowed to play rugby, cricket, hockey, tennis, golf, and softball. More recently, the school participates in soccer, basketball, and volleyball tournaments, including NASH and Coca‑Cola youth events

Rankings

See where Bernard Mizeki College ranks on the top 100 list of best O level schools in Zimbabwe in 2025.

See where Bernard Mizeki College ranks on the top 100 list of best A level schools in Zimbabwe in 2025.

We are working towards providing the most accurate rankings. Contact IBZIM support for more info: +263717238876 (whatsapp)