Structure of High School Education in New Zealand

1. Year Levels

High school is usually from Year 9 to Year 13 (ages 13–18). Some schools may call themselves college, grammar school, or secondary school, but they refer to the same level of education.

2. NCEA – National Certificate of Educational Achievement

New Zealand’s main national qualification for senior secondary school students. Assessed at three levels:

• Level 1 – Year 11

• Level 2 – Year 12

• Level 3 – Year 13

Assessed through:

• Internal assessments (done during the year)

• External exams (usually in November)

3. CIE - Cambridge International Education

CIE is one of the three main secondary school qualification systems in New Zealand, alongside NCEA and IB (International Baccalaureate). It is offered by a selection of state and private high schools, especially those with an international focus or strong academic reputation.

Cambridge is a UK-based international curriculum. It has four main stages, but New Zealand high schools focus on the last three:

1. IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)

• Usually taken in Year 11 (age 15–16)

• Broad curriculum with subjects like English, Maths, Sciences, History, etc.

• Assessed through external exams

2. AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary)

• Usually in Year 12

• More advanced than IGCSE; students typically take 3–5 subjects

• Can be a standalone qualification or part of the full A Level

3. A Level (Advanced Level)

• Usually in Year 13

• Final year of Cambridge; deeper specialization in 3–4 subjects

• Needed for university entrance

• Highly respected internationally

4. IB (International Baccalaureate) in New Zealand

The IB is an internationally recognized education programme originally developed in Switzerland. In New Zealand, it is offered by a small number of state and private schools, mainly those with an international focus or strong academic reputation.

IB Diploma Programme (IBDP):

• For students aged 16–19 (typically Years 12 and 13 in NZ).

• A two-year academically rigorous programme.

• Widely accepted by universities in NZ and around the world.