Addressing Unmet Need : A Roadmap to an Inclusive Education System

Every young person in Aotearoa New Zealand deserves equitable access to quality education and the support they need to thrive. However, secondary schools are facing increasing challenges as growing student needs outpace available resources.

Schools are experiencing rising demand for learning support, mental health services, wellbeing programmes, and alternative education pathways, while teachers are managing increasing workloads and complex student needs. Many schools are working hard to bridge gaps in education, health, and social services, yet persistent staffing shortages and funding constraints continue to limit their ability to provide the support students require.

This page explores the key areas of unmet need within New Zealand's secondary education system, the factors contributing to these challenges, and the actions proposed to create a more inclusive, equitable, and future-focused education system for all learners.

Checkout our news article: Reflections from the Unmet Needs Summit