John Tallach High School Biography

Background

John Tallach High School is a secondary school in Zimbabwe. It is located in Ingwenya, about 40 kilometers outside Bulawayo, in the Ntabazinduna area of Matabeleland North Province. The school was founded in 1958 and is named after Rev. John Tallach, a Scottish missionary who worked in Zimbabwe from 1924 to 1947. The school is affiliated with the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland and was originally established to provide education and Christian teachings to local children.

School Structure

John Tallach High School operates as both a boarding and day school. It offers education from O-Level up to A-Level. The school became a full high school in 2016 after introducing A-Level classes in 2013. The first A-Level group achieved a 100% pass rate. The school has around 600 students, with most being boarders and about 50 attending as day students.

Leadership

The school is led by Principal B. Ncube (Bonakele Ncube) and Deputy Head Norma Maclean. The leadership team is responsible for maintaining high academic and disciplinary standards.

Academic Performance

John Tallach High School is recognized for its strong academic results. Over the years, it has consistently ranked among the top five secondary schools in Zimbabwe. Some notable achievements include:

• 2024: 97.5% pass rate at A-Level and 95.3% at O-Level
• 2023: 100% O-Level pass rate, ranked 2nd nationally
• 2018: 100% O-Level pass rate, ranked 1st in Zimbabwe
• 2017: 96.7% A-Level pass rate

The school follows the Zimbabwean curriculum and also allows students to sit for Cambridge examinations.

Daily Life

The school day is highly structured. Students start with breakfast and worship, followed by assembly, lessons, and manual work in the afternoon. There are study sessions in the afternoon and evening. Students are responsible for cleaning their classrooms and washing their own clothes. The school emphasizes both academic and spiritual development.

Facilities

John Tallach High School has basic but functional facilities. These include:

• Boarding dormitories for boys and girls
• Dining hall (main food: sadza/isitshwala with relish)
• A herd of cattle for meat supply
• A small clinic
• Classrooms and administrative buildings

The school also serves as a Cambridge examination center.

Uniform and Discipline

The school has strict uniform rules. All uniforms must display the school badge, which has a black background. Blazers are optional for Forms 1–4. There are separate uniforms for weekdays, Sabbath, and sports. The school is known for its discipline and expects students to follow the rules closely.

Fees

John Tallach High School is considered affordable compared to other quality boarding schools in Zimbabwe. The fees are about US$680 per term for 2024–2025.

Religious and Community Life

While the school is run by the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, it welcomes students from different religious backgrounds. The motto is "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). The school has also received recognition for its community service, such as awards from the National Blood Service of Zimbabwe.

International Connections

The school has links with international institutions, including exchange programs with schools in Canada, organized through the Free Presbyterian Church network.

See where John Tallach High ranks on the top 100 list of best A Level Schools in Zimbabwe in 2025.