2026 School Exam Results Show Mixed Trends: Primary Pass Rates Rise, Secondary Dips Slightly

Dr. Élisabeth Shérif, the Minister of National Education, announced the 2026 school exam results during a council of ministers meeting on Friday, August 21, 2026. The full presentation of the academic outcomes revealed a national annual average pass rate of 67.46%. This figure encompasses the performance across various examinations conducted throughout the educational system for the 2025-2026 academic year. Minister Shérif stated that the 2025-2026 school year occurred in a calm environment conducive to learning, a factor she noted as contributing to the overall examination process.

Primary Education Performance

In a positive development for primary education, the pass rate for the Certificat d'Études Primaires Élémentaires et du Concours d'Entrée en Sixième (CEPE/FA) reached 78.96%. This figure represents the performance in the primary education examinations for the 2026 academic year, indicating a strong showing at this foundational level. Officials from the Ministry of National Education emphasized that end-of-cycle exams across all educational levels were conducted in strict accordance with the established calendar. The Ministry further reported that this adherence to the predefined schedule contributed significantly to the smooth execution of the entire examination process, ensuring fairness and consistency for all candidates. The successful organization of these primary-level assessments shows the operational efficiency within the educational administration.

Secondary Education Trends

Conversely, the Brevet d'Études du Premier Cycle (BEPC) examination, a key milestone for secondary school students, recorded a national pass rate of 46.05% for the 2026 academic year. This figure represents a slight decrease compared to the previous year's results, signaling a minor shift in performance at this educational stage. In 2025, the pass rate for the BEPC stood at 46.08%, meaning the current year's results reflect a marginal decline of 0.03 percentage points. This marginal decline indicates a subtle shift in secondary education performance from the preceding year, prompting further analysis into its underlying causes. The BEPC results are closely watched as an indicator of readiness for further secondary schooling.

Context and Official Commentary

Beyond the primary and junior secondary levels, other significant examinations also contributed to the overall educational landscape. The Certificat de Fin d'Études du Premier Degré (CFEPD) examinations registered a pass rate of 66.41% for the 2026 academic year. This figure contributes to the overall picture of primary and vocational educational outcomes, offering insights into another segment of the student population. Additionally, the Diplôme d'Aptitude à la Fonction d'Agent de l'État dans les Établissements d'Enseignement Fondamental (DAFAENF) exam, which assesses aptitude for fundamental education roles and is key for staffing the nation's schools, recorded a significantly higher pass rate of 97.11%. These results provide specific performance indicators for different educational streams within the national system, reflecting varied success rates across distinct academic and professional pathways.

Recognition and Support

The impressive 97.11% pass rate for the Diplôme d'Aptitude à la Fonction d'Agent de l'État dans les Établissements d'Enseignement Fondamental (DAFAENF) represents a substantial 12.81% progression compared to the 2024-2025 academic year. This notable increase reflects a significant improvement in the qualification of fundamental education agents, suggesting enhanced training or preparation for these critical roles. The Ministry of National Education views this progression as a positive sign for the future quality of teaching and support within primary education. The overall results, while mixed, offer valuable data for ongoing educational planning and policy adjustments.