Quality education rooted in faith and discipline
At Usher High School and Usher Institute, we believe every learner deserves an education that shapes the mind, strengthens character, and prepares them to serve God and humanity. Located near Figtree in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, our Salvation Army school offers a structured, caring environment where girls and pioneer boys welcomed in 2025 pursue excellence together.
From Form 1 through Lower and Upper Sixth, dedicated teachers guide learners through the ZIMSEC O-Level and A-Level curriculum, building communication skills, critical thinking, discipline, and the confidence to succeed in examinations and in life.
Our commitment: To provide quality, affordable education grounded in Salvation Army values, developing learners intellectually, spiritually, physically, and socially on a campus where study, service, and community go hand in hand.
Academic performance highlights
Usher learners consistently achieve strong outcomes in national examinations, reflecting the dedication of our teaching staff and the discipline of our boarding community.
ZIMSEC O-Level and A-Level pathways
Usher High School is a registered Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) centre. Learners follow the national syllabus from Form 1, building a strong foundation in languages, mathematics, sciences, and humanities before selecting subject combinations for O-Level and, where eligible, A-Level study.
Our academic programme covers Languages, Humanities, Commercials, Mathematics, Sciences, and Practical subjects, supported by structured prep time, supervised study in boarding, and access to the Japan Usher Library for research and quiet reading.
- Form 1–3: broad foundation across core and elective subjects
- Form 4: ZIMSEC O-Level examinations
- Lower & Upper Sixth: ZIMSEC A-Level specialisation
- Guidance and counselling throughout every stage
Seven departments, one standard of excellence
Subject specialists lead each department, supporting learners from Form 1 through Lower and Upper Sixth with consistent expectations and pastoral care.
Languages
English, Ndebele, Shona, and literature.
Humanities
History, geography, religious studies, and heritage.
Commercials
Accounts, economics, business studies, and commerce.
Mathematics
Core and extended maths for O-Level and A-Level.
Sciences
Biology, chemistry, physics, and integrated science.
Practicals
Agriculture, food & nutrition, and technical studies.
Guidance and Counselling
Life skills, career education, and personal development.
Where learning comes alive
Each department brings specialist teaching, purposeful activities, and a commitment to helping every learner reach their God-given potential.
Languages Department
The Languages Department develops confident communicators through English and Ndebele, alongside Shona and literature studies. Learners build reading, writing, and expression skills that strengthen public confidence and critical thinking. Whether debating in class, composing essays, or engaging with texts from Zimbabwe and beyond, students are prepared to communicate clearly and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
Humanities Department
Through History, Geography, Family and Religious Studies, and Heritage Studies, the Humanities Department helps learners understand society, culture, and the environment. Students explore identity, values, and responsible citizenship, connecting classroom learning to the communities they will one day serve. This department nurtures informed young people who think beyond themselves and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe and the wider world.
Commercials Department
The Commercials Department offers Principles of Accounts, Commerce, Business Enterprise, Economics, and Management of Business. Learners develop entrepreneurship, accounting literacy, and business acumen, with emphasis on leadership, innovation, and practical problem-solving. Whether aiming for university, vocational training, or self-employment, students gain skills to navigate the modern economy with integrity and initiative.
Mathematics Department
From General Mathematics to Pure Mathematics and Statistics, the Mathematics Department builds logical reasoning, analytical skill, and disciplined problem-solving. Strong numeracy underpins success in sciences, business, and technology pathways. Teachers provide patient support and challenging extension so that every learner can grow in confidence, whether sitting O-Level examinations or pursuing advanced A-Level study.
Sciences Department
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Combined Science come alive through practical work, laboratory experiments, and enquiry-based learning. The Sciences Department complements classroom teaching with STEM clubs, science fairs, quizzes, exhibitions, and projects in environmental conservation, renewable energy, and innovation. Learners are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas, and pursue excellence in one of the school’s strongest academic areas.
Practicals Department
Hands-on learning is central to Usher’s heritage. The Practicals Department focuses on agriculture, food and nutrition, and technical studies, building creativity, technical skill, and practical problem-solving. On a farm-based campus, learners connect theory to real work, gaining useful life skills and career preparation that honour the school’s long tradition of training capable, self-reliant young people.
Guidance and Counselling Department
Guidance and Counselling is taught as a formal ZIMSEC subject at Usher High School. Learners study life skills, study techniques, interpersonal relationships, entrepreneurship awareness, and career planning through structured lessons and assessed coursework. The department prepares students to make informed subject choices, understand the world of work, and develop the habits needed for success in examinations and beyond, complementing the specialist teaching offered in Languages, Humanities, Commercials, Mathematics, Sciences, and Practicals.
STEM and practical learning
At Usher, academic study is enriched by science laboratories, farm projects, and co-curricular programmes that bring learning to life. STEM Club members explore experiments, science fairs, and innovation challenges; agriculture and horticulture projects at Usher High School connect learners to the land and to sustainable practice.
Whether in the physics lab, the poultry project, or a school exhibition, students learn to observe carefully, work collaboratively, and apply knowledge with purpose, skills that complement strong ZIMSEC results and prepare them for further study and service.
Guidance and Counselling in the classroom
As the seventh academic department, Guidance and Counselling delivers the ZIMSEC syllabus through timetabled lessons. Teachers guide learners through topics such as self-awareness, goal setting, communication skills, health education, and career pathways.
Career fairs, subject-choice workshops, and classroom projects connect the curriculum to real opportunities, helping students understand how their O-Level and A-Level combinations lead to further study and employment.
- ZIMSEC Guidance and Counselling syllabus at O-Level and A-Level
- Career education, entrepreneurship, and study skills
- Subject and pathway planning linked to national examinations
- Assessed coursework and examination preparation
In the curriculum: Guidance and Counselling equips learners with practical knowledge for life after school, taught with the same rigour and examination standards as every other department at Usher.
Academic values that shape every lesson
Excellence at Usher is not only measured in examination results. We cultivate habits of mind and heart that honour God and build leaders for tomorrow.
Discipline
Structured routines, punctuality, and respect for rules create an environment where every learner can focus and thrive.
Excellence
Teachers and learners pursue the highest standards in preparation, effort, and conduct, in the classroom and beyond.
Service
Education at Usher is oriented toward others: serving the school, the community, and those in need with humility and purpose.
Integrity
Honesty in study and assessment, upright behaviour, and accountability before God and one another underpin all academic work.
Faith
Salvation Army values guide how we teach, correct, and encourage, rooting learning in prayer, worship, and Christian character.
Leadership
Learners are challenged to take responsibility, mentor peers, and lead with confidence, prepared to serve in school and society.
Academics FAQ
Quick answers about curriculum, boarding, and life at Usher. For subject combinations, entry requirements, or a campus visit, contact the school office.
Contact the schoolUsher High School follows the ZIMSEC curriculum for O-Level and A-Level, offering subjects across Languages, Humanities, Commercials, Mathematics, Sciences, Practicals, and Guidance and Counselling. Learners sit national examinations registered through the school.
Yes. Usher High School provides safe, structured, and supportive boarding facilities for learners, with supervised study, discipline, meals, welfare support, and Christian guidance at Usher High School.
Yes. In 2025, Usher High School welcomed pioneer boys into the school system and boarding facilities, marking an important milestone in the school’s growth while continuing its tradition of excellence for all learners.
Usher High School combines academic excellence, Christian values, discipline, leadership, service, and holistic student development in a supportive learning environment, on a rural campus with over a century of Salvation Army heritage, the Japan Usher Library, and farm-based practical learning.
Parents can use the contact page to send enquiries about admissions, boarding, academics, school life, or general information. The school office welcomes calls and messages during term time.
Begin Your Academic Journey
Discover ZIMSEC pathways, subject choices, and boarding options at Usher High School. Our team is ready to guide you through admissions and answer your questions about life at Usher High School.
