News
Schools in literacy crisis, advocates warn
Schools are now blowing their budgets on extra lessons because they are unable to cope with tough new tests, Lifting Literacy Aotearoa says. Audio
Pay parity scheme for early childhood teachers scrapped
The union says its members are "absolutely infuriated" about the move. Audio
Polytech changes will cost 1000 jobs, 500 courses, Cabinet paper shows
The documents revealed the full scale of the changes for the first time. Audio
We've been pretending education system is 'great' - Ministry document
According to an internal Education Ministry file, we've been fooling ourselves. Audio
Education Ministry says new curriculums are much clearer; principals disagree
The Principals Federation president said the curriculum changes were chaotic and imploding. Audio
School curriculum rewrite had serious problems, leak reveals
Education Ministry documents shows managers were even considering using AI to help with the work. Audio
Principals call for alternative assessments to stay beyond 2027
In poor communities, about 60 percent of students failed online reading, writing and maths tests, or common assessment activities.
Fears of spike in students leaving school without qualifications
Their warnings follow the release of results from high-stakes NCEA literacy and numeracy tests held in May. Audio
High NCEA literacy and numeracy exam fail rates for Tai Tokerau, South Auckland
New data from the Qualifications Authority shows most teens did not pass the tests they need to receive any NCEA qualifications. Audio
Govt shuts the door on open-plan classrooms
The government has called a halt to building open-plan classrooms, even though most teachers who actually use the structures believe their students benefit from them. Audio
Charter schools told to keep enrolment numbers secret
The seven charter schools have been told not to disclose their student numbers as it could "undermine their commercal position". Audio
Maths, reading pass rates up, writing rates slip
Pass rates improved in crucial NCEA maths and reading tests in May.
Commercial fishing school refunds $1m for subsidy errors over four years
Westport Deep Sea Fishing is expected to repay the funding surplus by June 2025.
Government 'meddling in a place where it's just not required' - tertiary union
But supporters of the Education and Training Amendment Bill say universities can't be trusted to uphold freedom of expression.
Polytech bail-outs lie ahead, Te Pūkenga warns
The mega-institute's managers have told MPs the government's reforms will result in institutes making the same poor investment decisions that prompted its creation in the first place. Audio
Apprenticeship and training overhaul 'fundamentally flawed'
Industry bodies told MPs the government's overhaul of apprenticeship and workplace training would short-change employers.
Free lunches feeding children in need, say ECEs
Early childhood centres in the government's free lunch scheme say it is reaching children who live in poverty. Audio
Alternative education rule change would change lives - providers
Tutors and teachers at last-chance education programmes say allowing them to keep struggling secondary students beyond the age of 16 would have a life-changing impact. Audio
Auckland Muslim school Al-Madinah among those hoping to become charter schools
Only two state or state-integrated schools have applied to convert next year.
Teens who get work experience at school more likely to be employed
A Ministry of Education report said students who participated in the Gateway and Trades Academy programmes were more likely to be in substantial employment by the age of 20 than other students.
Te Pūkenga disestablishment continues despite $16.6m surplus
The Vocational Education Minister says the surplus does not prove the organisation is viable.
Little evidence of success for schools' truancy fund, data analysis shows
A Ministry of Education report found there was little evidence of improved attendance by the scheme. Audio
School support staff reject ministry's pay offer
The education union said most support staff in schools were currently earning less than $30,000 a year.
Principals 'can't work' with new school opening hours guidelines
The ministry recently told schools they would not be considered "open for instruction" if only some year groups were present. Audio