Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand supports efforts to improve literacy, numeracy, and vocational pathways, but has concerns about the Ministry of Education’s proposal to replace the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). The proposed changes risk reintroducing high-stakes exams, reducing student agency, and narrowing learning opportunities. MANZ urges the government to retain the strengths of the NCEA, including its flexibility, inclusivity, and ability to recognise diverse learning pathways, while addressing challenges through better resourcing, teacher support, and early intervention. A shift toward compulsory subjects, percentage grades, and subject-based assessments may entrench existing inequities and reduce the system’s responsiveness to learners. We call for reforms that are student-centred, equitable, and future-focused.
You can download our full submission below.
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