Government gives itself glowing report for NCEA success

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Student success in the latest NCEA exams is being touted by the Government as a result of its hard work over the last three years.

Education Minister Hekia Parata told Parliament today that NCEA results from 2011 showed improvements across the board.

In particular, Ms Parata noted that the overall pass rates for NCEA level two for Year 12 students had increased from 76.0 per cent in 2008, to 81.5 per cent last year.

For Year 12 Maori, the pass rate for level two rose from 63.1 per cent in 2008 to 72.7 per cent, and Pasifika achievement at the same level had improved from 54.4 per cent in 2008, to 63.2 per cent.

Ms Parata also said that early indications showed Christchurch students had improved their achievement rates.

"This is a great result in the face of a very difficult year," she said.

Ms Parata said there were still a number of changes to be made throughout the education sector to help lift achievement levels.

"These include raising participation and quality of early childhood education ... building the capability of teachers so we have higher quality interactions in every school across this country, better information about performance and greater accountability at all levels of the system."