New Zealand Schools Turn to Cambridge as Confidence in NCEA Wanes

Epsom Girls Grammar School has announced plans to introduce Cambridge International qualifications starting in 2026, marking a growing trend among New Zealand schools to explore alternative pathways for students as confidence in the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) continues to decline.

A Shift in Education Strategy

The decision follows widespread criticism of the NCEA system, particularly its literacy and numeracy assessments, which have seen significant drops in achievement rates. In 2024, only 71.5% of Year 11 students achieved NCEA Level 1, a decline of 10.4% compared to 2023. Meanwhile, 33% of Year 11 students did not even study for NCEA Level 1, leading some principals to describe this as an “abandonment” of the national qualification.

Criticism of NCEA’s Literacy and Numeracy Tests

Mt Albert Grammar School principal Patrick Drumm has been vocal in his criticism of the NCEA’s recent reforms, particularly the new literacy and numeracy tests. He highlighted that many of these assessments focus on skills that are rarely used in adult life, such as memorizing technical grammar rules. “Most adults, including professional people, would fail [the tests],” Drumm said, adding that a colleague had failed the test despite being an experienced educator.

Drumm also pointed out the stark disparities in NCEA achievement between students from high and low socioeconomic backgrounds. He noted that a young person is almost three times more likely to gain University Entrance in a school serving a high socioeconomic community, exacerbating educational inequality.

Calls for Reform and Better Consultation

Papakura High School principal Simon Craggs echoed these concerns, arguing that the new tests are poorly designed and do not reflect the real-world skills needed for success. He emphasized the need for greater consultation with teachers and principals in the design of NCEA assessments, noting that internal assessments can provide more meaningful feedback and support for students throughout the year.

Craggs also pointed to the benefits of internal assessments, such as fostering teamwork, relationship-building, and other soft skills that may be more important for long-term career success than academic grades alone.

Epsom Girls Grammar’s Vision for Cambridge

Epsom Girls Grammar School has clarified that the move to Cambridge is not due to a shortcoming in the NCEA but rather to provide students and parents with greater choice. The school plans to launch a pilot program in 2026, allowing a small number of Year 11 students to take Cambridge IGCSE qualifications in five core subjects: English, maths, chemistry, biology, and physics. Full expansion of Cambridge offerings is expected in 2027.

A Two-Tier System Looms?

Despite these efforts, some principals warn that the growing pressure on schools to abandon NCEA could lead to a two-tier education system, with better-resourced schools continuing to thrive while others struggle. Drumm stressed that reform “can’t come soon enough for our young people,” adding that a successful NCEA system could help close the gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Ministry of Education Responds

The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the challenges in implementing the new NCEA Level 1 tests and is working to make the qualification “robust, credible, and aligned with international standards.” Pauline Cleaver, acting leader of the ministry’s curriculum centre, emphasized that the government is committed to improving the system and creating a knowledge-rich curriculum grounded in the science of learning.

Jann Marshall, deputy chief executive of NZQA, also noted that the agency is committed to improving its reporting on the success and failures of the education system, working closely with schools to adapt its data presentation.

A Path Forward?

While some schools continue to explore alternatives like Cambridge, others remain hopeful that NCEA reforms can restore confidence in the system. Drumm cited the success of the Shen brothers, former Mount Albert Grammar students who won scholarships to top US universities, as proof that the NCEA system can still work if given the right support and resources.

However, the challenge remains: with growing community pressure and declining performance metrics, the window for meaningful reform is closing. The future of NCEA—and the broader New Zealand education system—hinges on whether these reforms can be implemented in time to prevent a widening gap between the haves and have-nots in education.