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About system monitoring studies#

Aotearoa New Zealand uses large-scale studies to monitor the education system. 

Some studies may include an assessment for students and surveys for principals, teachers and sometimes for parents and whānau | families.

Schools may be required to participate in monitoring studies under the Education and Training Act 2020.

Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation

Studies are notified in the New Zealand Gazette. 

Notice of Education System Monitoring Studies – New Zealand Gazette

You can also see a list of notified studies on this page.

Who is required to participate#

A sample of about 150 to 250 schools is selected for each study. A new sample is drawn each time.

If your school is informed that you have been selected for a notified study, you are required to take part. Teachers and students must also participate.

The responsibility for making sure a selected school takes part lies with:

  • the boards of state schools
  • the sponsors of charter schools
  • the managers of private schools.

Who does not have to participate#

Schools that do not have to participate under the Education and Training Act 2020 are:

  • specified kura boards
  • registered schools that do not provide instruction in the language of the notified study
  • any registered school granted an exemption under Section 618C of the Act. 

Requests for exemption#

If your school thinks you may qualify for an exemption, contact the study team first. Their contact details are in the selection information pack your school will have received.

The study team will discuss if there is a way to help your school with the study. If that is not possible, they will help you to complete an exemption application. Your school should submit this exemption request as soon as possible.

When your application has been reviewed, your school will be told of the decision, the reason, and any conditions.

If your school is unable to participate because of an unforeseen event just before the study period starts, you should immediately contact the study team. You can still apply for an exemption.

Notified studies#

Annual studies#

  • Term 1 – Curriculum Insights and Progress Study (field trial).
  • Term 3 – Curriculum Insights and Progress Study (learning areas).
  • Term 4 – Curriculum Insights and Progress Study (foundation areas).

2027#

September to December 

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2027 (main survey).

2028#

May to June

Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2029 (field trial).

2029 #

Terms 1 and 2 

Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2030 (field trial). 

June to September

PISA 2029 (main survey).

2030#

Term 1

  • Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2031 (field trial).
  • TIMSS 2031 (field trial).

June to September

TALIS 2030 (main survey). 

2031#

Term 4

  • PIRLS 2031 (main survey).
  • TIMSS 2031 (main survey).

The Education Counts website has more information about the studies:

Whakapā

Contact

Name: Educational measurement and assessment team
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  • Education professionals