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National Party would require Year 11 completion if re-elected

By Drooid · Oct 11, 2026, 2:45 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

New Zealand National Party will require students to stay in school until completing Year 11 if re-elected.
Education spokesperson Erica Stanford said exemptions apply for students who secure a job or further training.
Stanford announced the party will set nationally consistent school start and finish dates.
The party will replace NCEA with new qualifications, adding Year 11 in 2028.
Year 12 will be added in 2029 and Year 13 in 2030.

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Story summary

New Zealand National Party will require students to stay in school until completing Year 11 if re-elected.
Education spokesperson Erica Stanford said exemptions apply for students who secure a job or further training.
Stanford announced the party will set nationally consistent school start and finish dates.
The party will replace NCEA with new qualifications, adding Year 11 in 2028.
Year 12 will be added in 2029 and Year 13 in 2030.