Will 2024 UACE Results use the new grading system?

The anticipation surrounding the release of the 2024 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) results is at an all-time high. Thousands of students who sat for the examinations late last year are now waiting anxiously, refreshing news pages and scanning social media for any official updates. However, as of now, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has not confirmed the exact release date.

When will UNEB Release the 2024 UCE Results?

While UNEB traditionally releases the UACE results between February and March, the uncertainty surrounding this year’s release has left students on edge as UNEB has not yet confirmed. In 2023, the results were released in early March, meaning there is a strong chance that the 2024 UACE results will follow a similar timeline. Yet, with the recent introduction of a new grading system at the lower secondary level (UCE), some believe this could impact the marking and processing timelines at the advanced level as well.

Will 2024 UACE Results use the new grading system?

As of now, the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations continue to follow the existing grading system, as no changes have been implemented at this level yet. However, plans are underway to introduce an updated A-level curriculum, which is expected to be introduced in February 2025. This upcoming curriculum is designed to align with the competency-based approach that has already been adopted at the lower secondary level. Despite these planned changes, the current UACE grading system will remain in place for this examination cycle.

As a result, the 2024 UACE results will still follow the traditional grading system. The new grading structure will only apply to students who begin their A-Level studies under the revised curriculum, with their assessments and results reflecting the adjustments in future examination cycles.

Confusion in A-Level Selections Due to the New Grading System

One of the biggest challenges this year has been the disruption caused by the new grading system introduced at the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) level. Traditionally, student selection for A-Level was a straightforward process based on standardized scores. However, with the new system integrating continuous assessment into the final results, schools have found themselves struggling to set clear admission criteria for the Senior Five.

The new approach considers not just final exam scores but also coursework and project-based assessments accumulated throughout a student’s four years of lower secondary education. While this shift aims to promote a more well-rounded evaluation system, it has created inconsistencies in how schools interpret and use these results. Some institutions have emphasized final exam scores, while others have leaned heavily on coursework assessments. The lack of uniformity has confused, with some students being admitted into A-level programs under differing standards.

This uncertainty has led to concerns that students from underfunded schools may be at a disadvantage, as continuous assessment varies in quality depending on available resources. The disparity in grading interpretations could also mean that two students with similar capabilities might have significantly different chances of securing A-level placements.

Explanation of the New UCE Grading System for Parents

The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has introduced a new grading system for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, aiming to provide a more comprehensive and fair assessment of students’ competencies. This system replaces the previous numerical grades with letter grades, each reflecting a specific level of achievement and competency in applying acquired knowledge and skills to real-life situations.

Grading Scale:

• Grade A: Exceptional Achievement
  • Demonstrates an extraordinary level of competency by applying knowledge and skills innovatively and creatively in real-life situations.
• Grade B: Outstanding Achievement
  • Shows a high level of competency by effectively applying acquired knowledge and skills in real-life contexts.
• Grade C: Satisfactory Achievement
  • Indicates an adequate level of competency, with the ability to apply knowledge and skills appropriately in various situations.
• Grade D: Basic Achievement
  • Reflects a minimum level of competency, demonstrating basic application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts.
• Grade E: Elementary Achievement
  • Represents a below-basic level of competency, with limited ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-life situations.

Under this new system, there is no ranking of candidates into divisions as was done previously. Instead, a candidate will qualify for the UCE certificate if they obtain a competency level grade of D in at least one subject. This approach ensures that even students with the lowest grade, E, receive a certificate detailing the competencies they have acquired, thereby recognizing their efforts and achievements.

Why did UNEB introduce the new grading system for UCE, not UACE?

This grading system is part of UNEB’s broader shift towards a competency-based curriculum, which emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and skills over rote memorization. The aim is to better prepare students for real-world challenges by focusing on their ability to think critically, solve problems, and apply what they’ve learned in meaningful ways.

For parents, this means that their child’s grades will now provide a clearer picture of their abilities to use their education in practical scenarios. The detailed descriptions associated with each grade offer insights into specific areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, facilitating more targeted support for your child’s educational journey.

Which was the old grading system for UNEB?

Previously, the overall performance of a student was determined by aggregating the grades of their best eight subjects. This aggregate score then placed students into divisions, with Division 1 being the highest and Division 4 the lowest among those who passed. For instance, to qualify for Division 1, a student needed to achieve an aggregate score within a specific range, which typically required high grades across their best eight subjects. This division-based ranking system was a key determinant in selections for further education opportunities.

It’s important to note that with the introduction of the new competency-based curriculum, UNEB has transitioned to an alphabetical grading system (Grades A to E) and has moved away from the division ranking system. This shift aims to provide a more holistic assessment of a student’s abilities and competencies.

Excitement and Anxiety Among UACE Candidates

For students awaiting their UACE results, the emotional rollercoaster is real. This moment is a defining one—determining whether they qualify for university, which courses they can pursue, and what their next steps in life will be. The combination of excitement and nervousness is evident in discussions among candidates, with some confident in their performance while others fear surprises in their results.

There’s also the added pressure from parents and guardians who have invested time and resources into their children’s education. Many families eagerly wait to celebrate success, while students privately battle self-doubt, wondering if they met expectations.

The delayed confirmation of the release date only heightens this anxiety. Each passing day without an announcement fuels speculation, with rumours flying around about potential delays. Yet, history shows that UNEB has remained relatively consistent in releasing results around the same time each year, offering some level of predictability.

2024 UNEB Results | Students Get Anxious

Are UACE Results Truly Worth It?

For years, the UACE examination has been considered the ultimate gateway to higher education in Uganda. Performing well in these exams often means securing a government-sponsored university slot or increasing one’s chances of enrolling in prestigious courses. But in today’s rapidly evolving world, are UACE results still as valuable as they once were?

The traditional argument in favour of UACE is that it provides a standardized measure of academic excellence, ensuring that only the most capable students advance to higher education. Universities use these results to filter applicants, and employers often look at them when hiring fresh graduates.

However, critics argue that an over-reliance on a single set of exams to determine a student’s future is outdated. The job market today values practical skills, creativity, and adaptability—qualities that exams alone may not fully capture. The introduction of continuous assessment at the UCE level signals an attempt to make the education system more holistic, but at the UACE level, results still depend entirely on final exams.

With increasing access to alternative qualifications such as diploma programs, technical education, and international certifications, some students and parents are beginning to question whether UACE is the only path to success. The global shift towards skills-based learning means that some students who may not excel in written exams could still thrive in other career paths outside the traditional university route.

How UACE Compares to International School Equivalents

On the international scene, UACE is often compared to qualifications such as the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A-Level) in the UK, the International Baccalaureate (IB), and the American high school diploma.

One key difference is the level of flexibility. In many international education systems, students have multiple ways to demonstrate their capabilities, including coursework, projects, and standardized tests spread over different years. The IB program, for example, emphasizes continuous assessment, creativity, and research, ensuring that a student is evaluated on more than just their ability to recall information under exam conditions.

Another major difference is the level of global recognition. While UACE is widely accepted in Ugandan universities and some institutions abroad, many international schools offer students qualifications that are more universally recognized, giving them wider options for higher education globally.

Despite these differences, UACE still holds strong value in Uganda’s education system. It remains the main qualification for university admission, and those who excel in it often find good opportunities both locally and internationally. However, as Uganda’s education system continues to evolve, there may be a need to reconsider how UACE aligns with global trends in learning and assessment.

How to check my 2024 UACE Results

1. Online via the UNEB eReg Portal:

• Access the Portal: Visit the UNEB eReg Portal.
• Enter Your Details: Input your index number in the provided field.
• View Results: Click on the “Search” button to display your results.

2. Via SMS:

• Compose a Message: Open your phone’s messaging app and create a new message.
• Enter the Format: Type UACE followed by a space and your index number (e.g., UACE 000123/001).
• Send the Message: Send this message to the shortcode 6600.
• Receive Results: You will receive an SMS with your examination results. Please note that a fee applies per SMS.

3. Through Your School:

• Contact Your School: Reach out to your school’s administration or examination centre.
• Access Results: Schools can access and print individual results for their students.

These methods ensure you can conveniently access your UACE results.

The Future of UACE and the Waiting Game

As students and parents count down the days until UNEB announces the official UACE results, the country finds itself at a crossroads in education reform. The new grading system at the UCE level has already caused disruptions, and while UACE remains untouched by these changes for now, it is only a matter of time before discussions on its reform begin.

For students, this is a time of reflection. Regardless of their final results, their future paths are not solely defined by a set of grades. With an evolving job market and alternative learning opportunities, success is becoming more about skill and adaptability than just academic performance.

Still, the anticipation remains. When the results finally drop, social media will explode with celebrations, debates, and disappointment in equal measure. Until then, all eyes remain on UNEB, waiting for that long-awaited announcement that will mark the next chapter for thousands of students across Uganda.