Next steps on new senior secondary qualifications have been announced

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Minister Stanford shared that Cabinet has agreed to:

• Replace NCEA with a new qualifications system with two levels across Years 12 and 13

• Introduce subject-based assessment, with students assessed across whole curriculum subjects to support students to have access to coherent, sequenced learning

• Integrate industry-led subjects into the senior curriculum within a single qualification pathway

• Remove NCEA Level 1 and refocus Year 11 on deeper, curriculum-driven learning

• Introduce a Foundational Award, at Year 11 curriculum level, recognising literacy and numeracy

• Require all Year 11 students to study English or Te Reo Rangatira and Mathematics or Pāngarau from 2028

The new system will be phased in as follows:

• 2026: Finalise senior secondary curriculum and qualification design, and develop assessment exemplars

• 2027: Preparatory year of professional learning and development

• 2028: NCEA Level 1 removed, Year 11 curriculum only, Foundational Award introduced, superseding the current co-requisite

• 2029: New Year 12 qualification begins

• 2030: New Year 13 qualification begins

We will navigate these changes as a community, and will continue to share information with you as it comes to us. We look for opportunities during change, especially when it is imposed from the outside, and we always bring a growth mindset. Our staff are professionals, and our Learning Area Leaders are experts in their subject areas. We are committed to ensuring the best possible conditions and outcomes for our young people to thrive, whatever comes our way.

Reach out if you have any questions.

Dr Aaron Columbus

Principal | Tumuaki