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 status value4 education as secondary issue, they view life skills as primary issue one should have. The economic status of rural parents has great bearing on the poor performance of their children. Parents' encouragement to school work determines the motivation with which children pursue education. Teachers should be supervised properly by heads so as to develop perfect teachers' teaching skills for the benefit of pupils. The teacher should be an expert on his subjects and should possess the didactic ability to convey his/ her subjects' knowledge to his/ her pupils.