Primary education lasts six (6) years and is made up of two cycles 1 ° the first cycle lays emphasis on teaching how to read , write and calculate; it starts from primary one(1) to primary three (3); 2° the second cycle of general basic education starts from primary four (4) to primary six (6).
Whoever completes primary education and passes the national examination is awarded a certificate. The passing mark is determined by the National Examinations’ Council at primary and secondary levels.
The language of instruction in the first cycle of primary education is Kinyarwanda except for the lessons of foreign languages. The Minister having education in his or her portfolio may, through a Ministerial Order, authorise the use of French or English as the medium of instruction in the first cycle. The language of instruction in the second cycle is French or English, except for other language lessons.
Compulsory subjects in primary schools are: 1° Kinyarwanda; 2°French; 3° English; 4° Mathematics; 5° Elementary science and Technology; 6° Fine Art; 7° Physical education and sports; 8° Religion and Morale; 9° Civic education; 10° History; 11 ° Geography; 12° Agriculture, livestock and environmental education.
Teachers of primary schools must have a teaching qualification certificate.
In every primary school, a committee known as "Teachers’ Committee" has to be established. The Teachers’ Committee is chaired by the Headmaster or Headmistress or his or her deputy in his or her absence. The Committee is responsible for: 1° deciding on the promotion and repetition for pupils in accordance with the existing laws; 2° overseeing the discipline and conduct of teachers and pupils; 3° dealing with all issues related to the organisation, teaching and learning at school.
| 2008 | 2010 | |
| P1 | 680,103 | 642,825 |
| P2 | 443,441 | 461,909 |
| P3 | 374,395 | 385,812 |
| P4 | 307,887 | 340,183 |
| P5 | 239,701 | 283,757 |
| P6 | 144,743 | 184,840 |
