This follows the release of new data from the 2024 Curriculum Insights and Progress Study, which found that just 24% of Year 8 students are writing at or above the expected curriculum level.

'Make It Write' is a targeted plan to support teachers and learners with the tools they need to turn these results around.

The plan focuses on 4 key areas:

• curriculum delivery
• enhanced student support
• focused professional development for teachers
• focused monitoring and assessment.

Some of the key initiatives in the 'Make It Write' plan include:

• targeted professional learning and development (PLD) for specialist literacy teachers in intermediate and secondary schools in structured literacy approaches (SLA) from Term 1, 2026
• a new digital writing tool for Years 6 to 8 to support targeted instruction from Term 1, 2026
• an updated handwriting resource for Years 0 to 8, now available.

These initiatives are designed to help meet the Government’s goal of having 80% of Year 8 students at or above the expected curriculum level for their age in reading, writing, and maths by December 2030.

What it means for ākonga | students, whānau | parents and caregivers#

Writing is a critical skill for learning, thinking, and communicating. It supports success in school, employment, and life. 'Make It Write' is about giving every learner the opportunity to become a confident, capable writer, and backing educators with practical, evidence-based tools to make that happen.

Updates on the supports available for teachers and students will continue to be shared on the Tāhūrangi website as each initiative rolls out.

Read the full factsheet.