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Ministry of Education New Zealand

Have your say on NCEA

We want to make sure every student has a pathway to qualifications that will help them reach their potential.

Kōrero mai

Mō ngā panonitanga ki ngā mahi NCEA.

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) video: Have your say on NCEA

Watch an introduction to the proposal to replace NCEA in New Zealand Sign Language.

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 below explains the proposal in detail, including information about why a new qualification system is needed and how it would be implemented.

English videos

Watch videos about our 4 proposals for change.

1. Vocational Education and Training (VET)

The first thing we want to do to improve qualifications is work with industries to bring VET subjects into the qualification system.

2. Foundational Skills Award

Our second suggestion for a better qualification system is to introduce the Foundational Skills Award for students.

3. Clear, consistent qualifications

The third part of our proposal is to 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

Watch videos in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) about our proposal to change NCEA with new national qualifications.

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) – How did we get here and what is the problem?

NCEA’s flexibility means that not all teaching and learning is coherent and consistent.

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) – Proposal 1

Watch proposal 1 to replace NCEA with a new national qualification.

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) – Proposal 2

Watch proposal 2 to replace NCEA with a new national qualification.

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) – Proposal 3

Watch proposal 3 to replace NCEA with a new national qualification.

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) – Proposal 4

Watch proposal 4 to replace NCEA with a new national qualification.

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) – Implications and next steps

Managing the implications of replacing NCEA and taking the time we need to support the changes.

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.

Frequently asked questions#

Factsheet#

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

Employer and industry survey

Teacher 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. They are available in English, Te Reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands Māori and Tokelauan.

English and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) – NCEA proposed changes webinar recording

Webinar in English and New Zealand Sign Language.

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.