Ryan Bridge: Something needs to be done about NCEA

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge · Jul 20, 2025 · 2m · transcript

If we could mark NCEA level One... would it even get an achieved. let alone a merit or excellence?

We heard at the weekend about an ERO report.

Basically, said the whole system is too flexible. Kids are scooping up credits from all corners of the classroom.

It's too broad and flexible, they reckon.

As a result, students aren't being properly taught core subjects.

The government's looking it. But there was a number in this report which should jump out at all parents and teachers.

22%.

In 2024, just 22% of NCEA results came from external assessment. Which means exams.

The bulk of credits come…