Have your say on NCEA
An introduction to the proposal to replace NCEA.
Kōrero mai
Mō ngā panonitanga ki ngā mahi NCEA.
New Zealand Sign Language video: Have your say on NCEA
An introduction to the proposal to replace NCEA.
Overview#
Evidence shows us that the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) isn’t working as well as it could for students, families, teachers, and employers. It’s more confusing and less reliable than it needs to be, and we’re proposing changes to make sure that the qualifications students leave school with set them up well for what comes next – whether that be work, training, or study. That’s why we’re proposing to replace NCEA with a new national qualification system that is easy to understand, credible, and internationally comparable.
Between now and 15 September 2025, we’re inviting you to learn more about the proposal and let us know what you think. Everyone has a stake in the success of our young people, which is why it’s important that everyone gets a chance to have their say.
About the proposal#
Discussion document#
The main document explaining the proposal in detail, including information about why a new qualification system is needed and how it would be implemented.
A te reo Māori version of the discussion document will be available in the coming week.
English videos
1. Vocational Education and Training
Improve qualifications for our students is working with industries to bring VET subjects into the qualification system.
2. Foundational Skills Award
Introduce the Foundational Skills Award for students.
3. Clear, consistent qualifications
Replace NCEA with qualifications that are clear, consistent and set our young people up for success.
4. Strengthening the requirements
One of the most exciting proposals on the table is strengthening the attainment requirements for the new qualifications.
New Zealand Sign Language videos
How did we get here and what is the problem?
Proposal to replace NCEA with a new national qualification.
Proposal 1
Proposal to replace NCEA with a new national qualification.
Proposal 2
Proposal to replace NCEA with a new national qualification.
Proposal 3
Proposal to replace NCEA with a new national qualification.
Proposal 4
Proposal to replace NCEA with a new national qualification.
Implications and next steps
Proposal to replace NCEA with a new national qualification.
What you need to know#
These documents are built specifically to help parents and families, teachers and kaiako, and employers understand what the proposal means for them.
Summaries of the discussion document#
Short versions of the discussion document help you quickly understand the proposal.
Short versions of the discussion document in te reo Māori, Tokelauan, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tongan and Samoan will be available in the coming weeks.
Have your say#
There’s an online survey open to families | whānau, students, educators, and industry. Share your thoughts with us.
Parent, family and student survey
If you're responding on behalf of a group or organisation, email us to request a template that can help you prepare your submission.
Email: [email protected]
Here are the full lists of survey questions by audience, for those who prefer to submit their responses by post or email.
We will be looking at all of your feedback once consultation closes, and making sure that your voice is heard before making any final decisions.
Webinars#
We are holding a series of webinars from 11 August to help kaiako and leaders understand the proposed changes and how they might impact your practice. You can sign up for those here:
- Monday 11 August, 1pm-2pm (Principals and Tumuaki – English)
- Monday 11 August, 4-5pm (Principals and Tumuaki – te reo Māori)
- Wednesday 13 August, 4pm-5pm (Assistant Principals and Deputy Principals – English)
- Thursday 14 August, 4pm-5pm (Assistant Principals and Deputy Principals – te reo Māori)
- Wednesday 20 August, 4pm-5pm (Teachers and kaiako – English)
- Thursday 21 August, 4pm-5pm (Teachers and kaiako – te reo Māori)
- Wednesday 27 August, 4pm-5pm (Teachers and kaiako – te reo Māori)
- Thursday 28 August, 4pm-5pm (Teachers and kaiako – English).
Implementing the change#
Once the consultation has closed, feedback will be used to inform final decisions on the change. We will make sure that you have a clear understanding of what comes next once the changes have been finalised. That includes providing students, families, educators, and employers with the support they need to make the change confidently.