Dissertation (MA Public Administration)In Tanzania, the provision of education has been one of the most critical issues of government social policy after independence in 1961. However one of the aspects of the social pillar of the Tanzania Vision 2030 is education. Tanzania Vision 2030 points out education and training is an instrument to develop Tanzania to be a middle-income economy. Family background has been highlighted as of great important in moulding the performance of children in schools worldwide. This study sought to examines the impact of Household Income on student‟s academic performance in ward secondary schools in Ilemela district. The study sought to examine the state of selected ward secondary education, to determine economic status of parent affect students‟ performance in form four examination results, lastly to examine lack of equipment like textbooks affect the learning environment. The study employed a descriptive research design. The target population under study was 112, both students and teachers from four ward secondary schools in Ilemela district. The study used a sample of 112, both students and teachers of four ward secondary schools, namely Nyamanoro, Kiloleli, Pasiansi and Nyasaka in Ilemela district which were selected by using of a proportionate stratified random sampling method. The instruments which were used to collect data were questionnaire and interview schedule both used for students and teachers. The data was analysed quantitatively and qualitatively and presented by using frequencies and percentage. Statistical package for Social Sciences version 21 was used to aid in generating a summary of results which were represented in tabular form. The findings of this study showed parental marital status and family financial status had a directly positive impact to students‟ performance. However the findings revealed that while the marital status of the parents was not significant in explaining the academic performance of students, but the education level of parents had an effect in academic performance of students. The results from this study revealed that family background is still a major problem in government schools, until this time majority of people cannot afford to have three meals per day, and other basic needs (non-food items) to their life which affecting the children’s health and academic performance. The nature of parents (non education), hard tasks from home, lack of lighting, shortage of books, no desks and table to work on at home, child labour, lack of motivation and harsh treatment from their parents and teachers are less satisfied with remuneration received per month has negatively impacts on students academic performance. The study therefore recommends that school authorities stagger payment of school fees in order to accommodate the less privileged students. The study further recommends that the donor community channel resources to education and help students who came from poor backgrounds.