New Zealand’s school qualification system may be heading for its biggest shake-up in two decades. The Government has proposed replacing the current NCEA structure with a new set of qualifications and a return to traditional grading.
The plan would see the current NCEA Levels 1, 2, and 3 phased out and replaced with:
Foundational Skills Award – introduced in Year 11 (from 2028), focusing on core literacy and numeracy.
New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) – replacing NCEA Level 2, starting in Year 12 (from 2029).
New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) – replacing NCEA Level 3, starting in Year 13 (from 2030).
Students would take five full subjects each year and need to pass at least four to gain the qualification.
Instead of the familiar “Achieved, Merit, Excellence” system, results would be reported using letter grades from A to E, alongside a score out of 100. Supporters say this could make results clearer for employers and universities, and easier to compare internationally.
The Government says the current NCEA system, while flexible, has become confusing for students, parents, and employers. The proposed model aims to make qualifications more transparent, more consistent across schools, and more aligned with international systems.
Vocational subjects like construction, hospitality, and automotive would also be redesigned in partnership with industry, ensuring students gain skills relevant to the workplace.
If the proposal goes ahead:
2025 – Consultation closes on 15 September.
2026 – New curriculum introduced for Years 9 and 10.
2028 – Foundational Skills Award launches.
2029 – NZCE introduced.
2030 – NZACE introduced.
Some see the move as a positive step toward clarity and international recognition. Others worry it could undo the flexibility that NCEA offered, particularly for students who thrived under its credit-based system.
This is a significant change to how New Zealand measures student achievement. Whether you’re a student, parent, teacher, or employer, your voice matters. Consultation is open now, what do you think?