This study investigated perceptions of teachers and school management on factors influencing poor academic performance of Form 'E' students at Maryland High School in Lesotho. After realizing that the poor academic performance by Form 'E' students was a national crisis, the study aimed to examine factors that influenced poor academic of Form 'E' students. This study adopted a qualitative method through which data was collected from the principal, deputy principal, heads of department and teachers. A qualitative design used interviews, observation and document analysis to collect data for the research. The research findings disclosed that teachers and management perceived that the following factors influence poor academic performance of Form 'E' students at Maryland High School:1. Leadership of Maryland High School is very poor. 2. The running of the school without clearly written or documented policies. 3. The control of the school funds by the chairperson of the School Board instead of the principal. 4. Absence of a library and poorly equipped science laboratory. 5. Teachers are not motivated due to lack of some teaching and learning materials. 6. Heads of department are not involved when decisions pertinent to management are made. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2004.