WELLINGTON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government has unveiled plans to replace the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), the country's main secondary school qualification system.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the current NCEA is inconsistent and often fails to meet the needs of students and employers, and the new qualifications aim to better equip students for future success.
The proposed changes would eliminate NCEA Level 1, requiring Year 11 students to study English and mathematics and earn a foundational award in literacy and numeracy. For Years 12 and 13, the final two years of high school, two new certificates will replace NCEA, with students expected to take five subjects and pass at least four.
The new system will use clear A to E grades scored out of 100, improve industry collaboration for vocational pathways, and be backed by a consistent national curriculum for Years 9 to 13.
Education Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the reforms will open doors for all young New Zealanders, whether they pursue university or immediate employment, and build on recent investments in literacy, maths, and learning support in earlier schooling. ■
