This study sought to investigate factors contributing to high failure rates in rural primary schools at grade 7 level. The research was conducted at the 10 bottom schools at grade 7 since the period of 2005 to 2009. It was conducted in Masvingo District. In this research the descriptive survey method was used. The survey used the questionnaire as a data collecting instrument. In this study 30 teachers from the 10 bottom schools were consulted. The main findings and conclusions were that children from low socio-economic status perform well in academic performance. Parents of low socio-economic...