PLE 2024: Only 448 pupils score 4 in 4, marking sharp decline in top performers
Out of the 798,763 pupils who sat for the exams, only 448 candidates achieved this milestone, a sharp decline from the 713 pupils who scored 4 in 4 in 2023.
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has released the 2024 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results, revealing a significant drop in the number of pupils scoring the top aggregate of 4 in 4.
Out of the 798,763 pupils who sat for the exams, only 448 candidates achieved this milestone, a sharp decline from the 713 pupils who scored 4 in 4 in 2023.
This drop aligns with UNEB’s earlier statement highlighting a decrease in the number of candidates passing in Division One. In 2024, a total of 84,301 candidates, representing 10.7% of all candidates, passed in Division One. This figure reflects a decline compared to the previous year.
A larger number of candidates were placed in Division Two, with 397,589 securing this grade. Division Three followed with 165,284 candidates, while 75,556 were placed in Division Four. Unfortunately, 64,251 candidates, representing 8.2% of all pupils, failed the examinations and will not proceed to Senior One.
Despite the reduction in top-tier performers, UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo noted that the overall performance in 2024 showed improvement, with 91.8% of candidates passing the PLE compared to 88.0% in 2023.
Addressing the nation, First Lady and Minister of Education Janet Kataaha Museveni emphasized the importance of education beyond the primary level.
“As stated by UNEB, the performance in the 2024 PLE was overall better than the previous cycle, even though the proportion of learners who got Division One reduced,” she said. “The encouragement I have for all those who passed the PLE is that there are various opportunities for post-primary education, including secondary schools as well as technical education.”
Below is a breakdown of the results:
- Division One: 84,301 candidates (10.7%) passed.
- Division Two: 397,589 candidates passed.
- Division Three: 165,284 candidates passed.
- Division Four: 75,556 candidates passed.
- Failed: 64,251 candidates (8.2%) did not pass and will not proceed to Senior One.
The 2024 PLE saw a total of 798,763 candidates sitting for the exams across the country, with more girls (52.5%) registering compared to boys (47.5%). This continues the trend of higher female participation in the Primary Education cycle.
While UNEB acknowledges the improved overall performance, the decline in the number of top-performing candidates highlights areas for improvement in Uganda’s education system to ensure more pupils excel at the highest level.
