<p>Tanzania’s implementation of fee-free secondary education was an essential intervention that provided opportunity and improved access to and participation in education. Evidence suggests that removing mandatory contributions and school fees has led to a rise in enrolment. Using human capital and human-right theoretical perspectives, this qualitative-based study was carried out in Tanzania to explore how fee-free secondary education contributes to students’ academic persistence, focusing on school enrolment, issues and the challenges facing parents and students when enrolling in secondary schools. Data was generated by focus group discussions, interviews and observation with parents, teachers, students and district officers. Findings revealed that fee-free secondary education increased enrolment for both boys and girls and students from low and marginalized households. However, cultural norms, the cost of education, and poverty in the households hampered the enrolment. The study concludes that removing mandatory parental contributions and tuition fees is not only a panacea to realise improved quality education provision and delivery as delayed entry and not enrolling negates the goal for which fee-free education was introduced. The study recommends that a complementary intervention that specifically targets offsetting direct costs and improving household income may be necessary for fee-free education to reap the fruits. In addition, more concerted efforts and community sensitisation about the importance of investing in education are still needed to address knock-on challenges.</p>