New bill to prevent schools from opting out of international testing

Thursday 20 November 2025 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated Thu 20 Nov 2025, 1:29pm

In this story Erica Stanford, Ministry of Education, Teaching Council

The Education and Training (System Reform) Bill has been introduced to Parliament. The legislation will require schools to participate in international maths and reading tests and allows for faster intervention in failing schools. It also grants a new property agency power over school building expenditure.

How they headlined it

12:57pm1:29pm

1. RNZThu 20 Nov 2025, 12:57pm

   Government bill prevents schools from opting out of international maths, reading tests (opens in new tab)

   Also on NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesThu 20 Nov 2025, 1:29pm

   Schools to be barred from opting out of international tests (opens in new tab)