Changes to NCEA must build on what works, not destroy it

At its core, NCEA reflects values that New Zealanders hold dear - fairness, flexibility, and the belief that every student deserves a chance to succeed. It was designed to move away from a rigid, exclusive model and toward one that recognises individual strengths and diverse pathways. It allows students to engage with learning that matters to them and to demonstrate their knowledge in ways that reflect their abilities.

Tailored student learning

This approach has helped create an education system that doesn’t assume all students learn the same way or thrive under the same conditions. It has given teachers the ability to tailor learning to their students’ needs and interests, and it has given students the opportunity to succeed in a range of subjects and formats. These are not weaknesses—they are strengths that should be preserved.

Of course, no system is perfect. NCEA must continue to evolve to meet the needs of today’s learners. But any changes must build on what works—not destroy it.

Reform is necessary—but it must be thoughtful, inclusive, and evidence-based. Let’s listen to the voices of students, teachers, and communities who know the value of NCEA—along with its challenges. If there are areas that need improvement—such as more coherence in course design or a better balance between internal and external assessments—let’s address them thoughtfully and collaboratively.

Support meaningful learning

One of the greatest assets of NCEA is its flexibility. It allows students to explore subjects that inspire them and gives teachers the tools to support meaningful learning. We know that students thrive when they are engaged in learning that feels relevant and achievable. NCEA’s design supports this by allowing for multiple ways to demonstrate understanding. Whether through performance, project work, or written assessments, students can show what they know in ways that reflect their strengths. This is especially important in a world where creativity, adaptability, and collaboration are increasingly valued.

Teachers, too, benefit from a system that recognises their professional judgment. NCEA allows educators to design learning experiences that are meaningful and responsive to their students. It encourages innovation and supports a more personalised approach to teaching. These are qualities we should be nurturing, not narrowing.

Parents want to see their children succeed—not just academically, but as confident, capable individuals. NCEA supports this by recognising that success looks different for every learner. It provides pathways into university, trades, and employment. It helps students build skills that matter in the real world. And it does so in a way that values effort, growth, and achievement.

Students, teachers, and families deserve stability and clarity. They deserve a qualification that reflects the full richness of learning—not just test scores. And they deserve a system that values their voices and experiences. Any reform must be guided by the principle that education should empower, not constrain.

A legacy worth building on

For more than two decades, the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) has supported hundreds of thousands of New Zealand students to discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and prepare for life beyond school.

NCEA has enabled rangatahi to enter careers in medicine, law, trades, the arts, and sciences. It has opened doors to international universities and local opportunities alike. That is a legacy worth protecting and building upon.

New Zealand’s education system should reflect our commitment to equity, opportunity, and excellence. NCEA has helped move us closer to that vision. With care and collaboration, it can continue to do so for generations to come.