Kia ora e te whānau,

 Important Consultation: The Future of Secondary School Qualifications

 I am writing to let you know that today the Minister of Education, Erica Stanford, has launched a consultation about a significant proposal: replacing NCEA with new national secondary school qualifications.

I know families may feel surprised or concerned by this news. Please be assured that NCEA remains a well-recognised and valuable qualification for all current students. These changes are not immediate—there will be plenty of time to understand and prepare for what’s ahead. Your feedback is welcome and vital to shape how any changes are made.

 What is the Proposal?

The government is exploring new qualifications for New Zealand secondary schools, aiming to create a system that is clear, inclusive, and internationally credible. The key ideas are:

·         Replacing NCEA Level 1 with a new Foundational Skills Award in Year 11.

·         Introducing two new senior qualifications:

·         The New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) in Year 12

·         The New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) in Year 13

·         A curriculum and qualifications more closely connected, with clearer pathways for both academic and vocational futures.

·         A simpler and fairer way to assess, with marks out of 100 and letter grades for each subject, making results easier to understand.

·         More consistency across schools, and subject requirements that help young people build strong literacy, numeracy, and life skills.

 What Stays the Same?

NCEA remains a strong, internationally respected qualification—students working towards it now will continue to be recognised, and their hard work will be valued.

Supporting all learners remains at the centre: every young person deserves the chance to succeed and find their purpose, whether their passion is academic, vocational, or both.

Teachers, whānau and students will help shape any changes—this consultation seeks your input.

 Who Does This Affect, and When?

Current students in Years 9 and above: No changes. They will complete your secondary qualifications under the current NCEA system.

Current Year 8 students: They will be the first to experience the new curriculum and awards, starting from Year 11 in 2028.

There is plenty of time to get ready: no student will miss out or fall through the cracks.

 Why Change?

Our senior secondary qualification should reflect Aotearoa’s values—fairness, curiosity, the chance for every young person to thrive and contribute to our communities. The aim is to strengthen the system, not start over. National consultation is happening now to ensure the voice of every community is heard. Change will be gradual, careful, and involve teachers, parents, and students each step of the way.

 What Happens Next?

You will soon receive a summary document from the Ministry of Education, with answers to common questions, a detailed timeline, and ways to get involved. I encourage you to read these and share your thoughts.

Further information is available here.

 How Can You Have a Say?

Consultation runs until 15 September 2025.

You can find out more and share your views at: education.govt.nz/have-your-say/consultation-proposal-replace-ncea/details

Or email: NCEAconsultation@education.govt.nz

I will keep you updated as details become available, and our priority will always be to support your child’s learning, wellbeing and future opportunities.

 Ngā mihi nui,

Andy Fraser