The New Zealand Government wants to replace the current high school qualification system, NCEA, with new certificates.
They believe the current system doesn’t prepare students well enough for future jobs, university, or trades. The goal is to create a simpler and more useful system for both students and employers.
The new plan includes removing NCEA Level 1 and requiring Year 11 students to take tests in basic reading and maths. Two new certificates would replace NCEA Levels 2 and 3: one at Year 12, and another at Year 13. Students would study five subjects and need to pass four.
Grades would be marked clearly out of 100, using easy-to-understand letters like A to E. A new national curriculum will guide what students learn from Years 9 to 13, making learning more consistent across schools.
The first new tests will start in 2028, with the certificates following in 2029 and 2030. Until then, students may still use the old NCEA system.
Some groups support the change. ACT Party leader David Seymour said it would improve student learning and help New Zealand do better in international tests. Others, like the Labour and Green parties, are more cautious. They worry the changes are being rushed and might not work well for all students.
Final decisions will be made by the end of the year.
