Senior One reporting kicks off across the country

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Senior One students officially reported for their first term on Monday (March 2) in line with the Ministry of Education and Sports calendar.

At St Mary’s College in Wakiso district, parents and guardians arrived as early as 8:00am, gathering at the gate despite intermittent rain as they waited for access to the school. Many were seen consulting teachers to confirm class placements for their sons.

Inside the compound, teachers and continuing students welcomed the new entrants. After registration, some students helped the newcomers carry their luggage to the dormitories.

Senior One reporting. (Photo by Juliet Lukwago)

According to the assistant director of students, Salimu Zirimu, the reporting process begins with the administration verifying identification documents. Students then receive a clearance card from class teachers, house masters and the school nurse. Their suitcases are inspected by wardens, security personnel and teachers on duty before they are guided to their dormitories.

Headteacher Brother Simon Mpanga said, “We received 420 students for the main campus and 282 for Kabojja campus. So far, we haven't had any challenges; all parents paid full school fees highly, now it's up to us to do our work well.”

A similar scene unfolded at other schools along Entebbe Road, where parents accompanied their children to begin the new academic chapter.

The reporting date had earlier been announced by education ministry permanent secretary Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda during the national selection and placement exercise held at the UMA Show Grounds in Lugogo last month.

In mid-February, the ministry welcomed students back after the long holiday. The first term is expected to run from March through May 2026.

During the Senior One selection exercise, Dr Turyagyenda said the ministry expected that at least 657,000 Primary Seven leavers out of the 722,730 learners who passed PLE were selected to join Senior One in government and private secondary schools.

She noted that learners not placed through the exercise should be guided towards alternative education pathways, including community polytechnics and skills development centres, as part of the national approach to skills development and employability.

At the same event, Dr Turyagyenda congratulated all learners who have been placed to join Senior One, saying, “To our children, I encourage you to embrace the schools where you have been placed, remain disciplined, and commit yourselves to consistent study. Your future will not be determined by the name of the school solely, but by the character, effort and willingness to learn.”

She added, “Respect your teachers, focus on your goals and make the most of every opportunity to learn.”

Dr Turyagyenda also announced Thursday, March 5, as the reporting day for Senior Five students.

She appealed to headteachers to provide consistent supervision of teaching and learning, and practical support to teachers to ensure full syllabus coverage, consistent time on task and high achievement of key competencies and concepts expected this term.