Officials in the Directorate of National Examinations and Assessment said Education Minister Nangolo Mbumba would have a last look at the results today before a media statement is issued tomorrow.

The officials were reluctant to comment on the performances of the pupils.

Last year, at least 15 600 full-time Grade 10 pupils failed and did not return to formal classrooms.

The HIGCSE results were also of concern to the Directorate of National Examinations and Assessment after 93,4 per cent of candidates obtained grade four or better, compared to 94,5 per cent last year.

Although thousands failed last year, the cumulative percentage data of the DNEA supported the view that the performance of full-time candidates was better than the previous year, as 91,5 per cent were graded in 2004 against the 90,5 per cent of 2003.

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