This follows a consultation process with more than 10,000 people having their say.

The first major milestone in a carefully sequenced set of decisions to design a modern qualification system includes a move to a subject-based approach, a Foundational Award at Year 11, and a two-level qualification over Years 12 and 13.

In 2028, Year 11 students will be the first to take part in the Foundational Award. This award recognises students’ achievement in literacy and numeracy at a Year 11 curriculum level, providing them with core skills. During Year 11, students will be required to study English or Te Reo Rangatira, and Maths or Pāngarau. In 2029, Year 12 students and in 2030, Year 13 students, will be the first to take part in the new qualifications.

This is the first tranche in the design of the new qualification system. The detailed design of the new qualification will now get underway. We will be undertaking targeted engagement and working with the new Technical Advisory Group.

Tranche 2 includes achievement requirements for Year 12 and 13. Whether the Foundational Award is a requirement for the Year 12 and 13 qualifications, and more information about how grading is going to work.

In addition, we will be releasing the draft curriculum for feedback in 3 tranches, firstly in May, followed by June and July. The new curriculum will be implemented progressively for Years | Tau 11-13 from 2028 to 2030 and will align with the new qualification system.

A list of the senior secondary subjects for the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) can be found here NZC Years 11-13 subject descriptors and for Te Marautanga o Aotearoa (TMoA) Tau 11-13 Te Marautanga o Aotearoa subject descriptors.

NZC Years 11-13 subject descriptors – Tāhūrangi

Tau 11-13 Te Marautanga o Aotearoa subject descriptors – Tāhūrangi

Implementation information and support#

The new qualifications system will be phased in from 2028. The first students to participate in the new qualification system are the current Year 9 cohort.

No student will need to switch between NCEA and the new qualifications system during their schooling.

Between now and 2028, we will be designing the support for principals and leaders to confidently implement the changes.