New Zealand’s NCEA qualification is getting a major overhaul. The government has announced the details of a brand new school qualification system that will replace NCEA over the next few years.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford made the announcement in Orewa, North Auckland. They confirmed that NCEA will be replaced by two new qualifications: the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) for Year 12 students, and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) for Year 13.
The changes will roll out gradually. NCEA Level 1 will be removed in 2028, Year 12 students will start the new NZCE in 2029, and Year 13 students will move to the NZACE in 2030. Current Year 9 students will be the first group to go through the full new system.
So what will be different? Students in Years 12 and 13 will need to study at least five subjects each year, and pass at least three to earn the qualification. Every subject will have both internal assessments and an exam, meaning students can no longer avoid sitting exams altogether. Grades will use a simple six-point scale from A+ to E, making results easier for students, parents, employers, and universities to understand.
Some new subjects are also being introduced, including Civics, Politics and Philosophy, Advanced Mathematics, and Journalism, Media and Communications. Industry-based subjects like building and construction and outdoor education will also be included.
