The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture expects approximately 108,675 Grade 1 learners to enter the education system in 2025, marking an increase from the 105,000 admitted in 2024.
Similarly, about 56,925 learners will be enrolled in pre-primary school, up from 55,000 last year.
According to the ministry’s Executive Director, Sanet Steenkamp, these figures are based on a 3.5% annual growth projection used to estimate learner enrolments each year.
“We had 55,000 pre-grade learners and 105,000 Grade 1 learners in 2024. With a 3.5% annual growth projection, this number increases each year. However, this projection is assessed annually, based on the figures recorded every academic year,” Steenkamp said.
Steenkamp emphasised the importance of the “15th School Day Statistics” report, which provides detailed data on learner enrolment and resource requirements.
“Every academic year, on the 15th school day, principals submit a report recording the number of learners and teachers at their schools, as well as additional resource needs. The Ministry reviews this data to allocate resources effectively,” she explained.
Namibia currently has 2,036 schools, including 1,740 state schools and the remainder privately owned. Despite efforts to accommodate the growing learner population, challenges persist in some regions. In the Oshana region, for example, 1,200 Grade 8 learners and 641 Grade 1 learners are still awaiting placement.
To mitigate overcrowding and placement delays, the Ministry has implemented the platoon system, which allows schools to operate in shifts.
“The platoon system involves two separate cohorts of teachers and learners. One group attends in the morning, and the other in the afternoon. This is a temporary intervention to manage overcrowding while awaiting the completion of new facilities,” Steenkamp said.
Over the past two years, the government has built 1,022 classrooms to address the rising demand for educational facilities. Additional classrooms and ablution facilities are currently under construction to further alleviate pressure on schools.
As Namibia prepares for the 2025 academic year, the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture remains focused on addressing enrolment challenges and ensuring adequate resources for the growing learner population.
