| Legal Name | Monte Cassino Girls High School |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1902 (123 Years Ago) |
| Location | 7 km southeast of Macheke, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe |
| Type | Catholic Girls-Only Boarding School |
| Uniform Colors | Maroon, Cream, Sky Blue |
| Curriculum | ZIMSEC and Cambridge (O-Level and A-Level) |
| Houses | Nightingale, Boeckenhoff, Pfanner, Kizito |
| Church Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church (Precious Blood Sisters and Benedictines) |
| Contact Number | +263-7798-240 |
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Background
Monte Cassino Girls High School is a Catholic girls-only boarding school located in Zimbabwe. Established in 1902, it is situated about 7 kilometers southeast of Macheke in the Mashonaland East province. The school was founded as part of the Monte Cassino Mission, which was initially managed by Trappist monks. Over the years, the administration changed hands among different religious orders, including the Missionary Order of Mariannhill, the Jesuits, and later the Precious Blood Sisters and Benedictines.
History
- 1902: The school was founded by Trappist monks as part of their mission work in Zimbabwe.
- 1908: A day and boarding school for boys was opened at the mission.
- 1909: The Missionary Order of Mariannhill was established.
- 1929: The Jesuits took over the mission.
- 1960s: The Sisters of the Precious Blood (Baden) returned to run the school.
- 1996: Ampleforth monks from the English Benedictine Congregation arrived and established the Monastery of Christ the Word.
Monte Cassino was among the first schools in Zimbabwe to provide education to Black African students.
School Structure
- Type: Catholic girls-only boarding school
- Curriculum: The school offers both the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) and Cambridge curricula at O-Level and A-Level.
- Houses: Nightingale, Boeckenhoff, Pfanner, and Kizito
- Enrollment: Around 93 girls per form, with about 31 students per class
- Ownership: Roman Catholic Church, supported by the Precious Blood Sisters and Benedictines
Academic Performance
Monte Cassino Girls High School is known for its strong academic results. The school has consistently ranked among Zimbabwe’s top-performing schools in national examinations. For example:
- 2024: O-Level pass rate of 98.5%, A-Level pass rate of 100%
- 2020: O-Level pass rate of 94.5%, A-Level pass rate of 97.2%
- 2019 & 2018: Ranked 4th among Zimbabwe's top schools with a 96.15% pass rate
Uniform and Student Life
- Uniform Colors: Maroon and cream blazers, colored sport shirts, tracksuits, and golf shirts
- Other Details: The school allows students to plait their hair and is known for maintaining discipline, a good diet, and reliable water supply.
Notable Alumni
Some of the school’s notable alumni include:
- Joana Mamombe (politician)
- Valerie Tagwira (writer and obstetrician-gynecologist)
- Marlene Chiedza Gadzirayi (Alumni President and sports administrator)
- Tarisiro Moyo (top A-Level performer)
Challenges
In 2019, the school faced a controversy when students reported incidents of sexual harassment and ill-treatment by staff. The Ministry of Education investigated and took action based on the findings.
See where Monte Cassino Girls High ranks on the top 100 list of best A Level Schools in Zimbabwe in 2025.