National proposes requiring students to complete Year 11

The National Party has announced a policy that would require students to stay in school until they complete Year 11 if the party is re-elected. Currently, students can legally leave school once they turn 16, which often occurs during Year 11. Under the proposal, students who turn 16 during Year 11 must finish the school year, while those turning 16 in Year 12 would be required to stay until their birthday.

This policy is part of a wider education manifesto that includes replacing NCEA with new qualifications starting in 2028. These include a Foundational Award in literacy and numeracy, the New Zealand Certificate of Education at Year 12, and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education at Year 13. Education spokesperson Erica Stanford said the change would ensure students complete a full year of compulsory science, English, and maths.

The requirement would affect approximately 5,000 students annually. Students could still apply for exemptions to leave early if they have a job or are entering further training or an apprenticeship. In 2025, 1,106 exemptions were approved, with roughly 90% being for further education or training.

National also plans to implement nationally consistent start and finish dates for schools from 2028. Erica Stanford stated this would address parental frustration regarding childcare and work leave caused by varying school calendars. Party leader Christopher Luxon said, “Staying in school isn’t a burden, it’s a head start to higher incomes and more job opportunities”.

How it developed

• Sun 11 Oct, 10:02amThe report specifies that the policy was announced in Auckland's Northcote electorate and includes reactions from Labour leader Chris Hipkins.

Where reports differ

• Reports vary on the number of students affected, with one stating 4,000 and others stating 5,000.
• One report cites 1,000 exemptions per year, while another specifies 1,106 exemptions were approved in 2025.

Compiled from reports by The Post, Stuff, RNZ, 1News, NZ Herald and Otago Daily Times.