The main objective of this study was to examine the expansion of public secondary education access and quality performance in Ilemela district. The study employed a mixed method approach. The sample size included in this study was 391. The sampling procedure used in this study was simple random and purposive. The main finding revealed that most schools perform poorly due to various factors . Such factors are shortage of competent teachers, teaching and learning resources, classrooms, and school locations that do not favor the teaching and learning process. The study concludes that, access to education is a key factor to make many students acquire secondary education, not only in quantity but also in quality. This is necessary to be considered when expansion of secondary school is considered. To make non experimental groups perform better, the government should focus on educational plans. The study recommends that, since schools increased in terms of numbers, they should ensure that access to education for all is an important issue for quality and performance. The government and the community should work together to enhance education which is provided to learners. It is through the provision of physical and human resources that quality education will be achieved