Changes to NCEA need your say

Big changes are being proposed for NCEA — and by 2030, it could be completely replaced with new qualifications.

These changes could shape what subjects you take, how you’re assessed, and how your results are seen by employers, universities, and training providers.

If you’re at school now, about to start NCEA, or have recently left school, this is your chance to help shape what the system will look like — not just for you, but for future students too.

More information about these changes, including a proposed timeline, can be found in the Ministry of Education’s NCEA Discussion Document.

You have the right to speak up on decisions that affect you — and at Mana Mokopuna - Children’s Commissioner, we believe your voice is the most important one in the room, because you’re the one these changes will impact the most.

If you’re already doing NCEA, nothing will change for you. But if you’re in Year 8 now, you’ll be assessed under the proposed New Zealand Certificate of Education instead of NCEA.

You can share your thoughts by:

• Emailing nceaconsultation@education.govt.nz
• Filling in the Ministry of Education's survey

Submissions close 15 September 2025.

So, what’s being proposed?

Here’s a quick summary:

• A Foundational Award in Year 11 for literacy and numeracy (or te reo matatini and pāngarau) — you could also get this earlier in school.
• New Zealand Certificate of Education in Year 12 and New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education in Year 13 — these would replace NCEA Levels 2 and 3.
• Most students will do five subjects, including English and maths or te reo rangatira and pāngarau.
• Subject grades scored out of 100 instead of Achieved/Merit/Excellence.
• Passing at least four subjects to get the qualification.
• Vocational (job-related) subjects designed with industries so they link better to real-world jobs.

Some questions that might help when sharing what you think about the changes to NCEA:

1. Your own experience – What’s been your experience of NCEA or other types of learning and assessment? What’s worked well for you? What’s been hard?
2. The timeframe – The new system starts in 2028 and replaces NCEA by 2030. Does that feel like enough time for students, teachers, and schools to get ready?
3. Skills and balance – How important are subjects like arts, languages, social sciences, PE, and cultural learning for you? What are your thoughts on the changes having a key focus on literacy, numeracy, and science?
4. Subjects and flexibility – How do you feel about having required subjects in Year 11? Would you prefer more structure or more choice in your learning?
5. Life after school – How could these changes impact you (and others) getting ready for uni, apprenticeships, jobs, or training?
6. Future students – How could the government make changes so that education is better for you and the students coming after you?

Why your voice matters

These changes will affect students all over Aotearoa New Zealand for years to come. If you share your experiences and what you think (what’s good, what could be improved, or even new ideas), you can help improve the education system.

You can:

• Send your feedback to: nceaconsultation@education.govt.nz
• Fill in the survey here: Parent, family and student survey
• Chat with your mates, whānau, teachers, or peer leaders (like your school board rep or the student council) and encourage them to have their say too.

If you don’t want to send a submission or complete the survey, you can get in touch with the team at Mana Mokopuna by emailing children@manamokopuna.org.nz and tell us what you think. Your voice will help us create our submission and any quotes we share will be kept anonymous.

Your voice matters. It’s your right to be heard, and your ideas can shape the everyday lives of kids and young people like you!