National will lift school leaving requirements
A re-elected National Government will require students to stay at school until they complete Year 11 giving more young people time to build the knowledge and skills they need for a successful future, National’s Education spokesperson Erica Stanford says.
“Currently, students can leave school when they turn 16. Many reach that birthday during Year 11, allowing them to leave before completing the year.
“National is scrapping NCEA and from 2028 will begin replacing it with new national qualifications that are clearer and more credible and will give students, parents and employers confidence in what young people know and can do.
“With these new qualifications, our expectation is clear. Students should complete at least a full Year 11 of compulsory science, English and maths, and have the opportunity to gain the new Foundational Award in literacy and numeracy.
“Strong literacy and numeracy skills give young people a better chance of gaining employment or continuing on into Trades’ training or other learning. This change will mean more students stay at school longer and complete that important year of study.”
Ms Stanford says students will still be able to apply for a leaving exemption if they have found a job or are moving into further training.
“What we don’t want is 16-year-olds dropping out of school with nothing to do but sit on the couch. These new requirements will help young people get the skills they need to get a job or into further learning.”
National will also set nationally consistent start and finish dates for schools.
“Parents have told us how frustrating it is when their children attend different schools with different start and finish dates, leaving them juggling childcare and taking extra leave from work. So, we will work with schools on a more consistent calendar.”
Ms Stanford says National’s focus on teaching the basics brilliantly is beginning to deliver results.
“We have introduced an hour a day each of reading, writing and maths, mandated structured literacy, backed teachers with training and resources, and made the largest investment in learning support in a generation.
“We are seeing encouraging improvements in phonics, Year 6 maths and writing. Now we are getting on with replacing NCEA and making sure young people have the time to gain the skills and qualifications they need.
“National will keep the focus on raising achievement and closing the equity gap, so every young person has the opportunity to succeed at school and go on to live the life they want.”
Notes to editors:
- Students will need to remain at school until they complete Year 11 or turn 16, whichever is later, unless an exemption applies.
- In 2025, 1,106 early leaving exemptions were approved: 90.1 per cent for further education or training and 9.9 per cent for employment.
- The Foundational Award will be introduced in 2028, followed by the New Zealand Certificate of Education at Year 12 in 2029 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education at Year 13 in 2030.
Link to policy document HERE
