A high school renowned for producing a string of Kiwi sporting stars has been accused of inappropriately drug-testing some students.

Almost three-quarters of parents support the Government's controversial national achievement standards for primary and intermediate students.

School principals want to be treated as "democratically" as Maori immersion schools in the roll-out of national standards.

John Key and Anne Tolley justified a $200,000 taxpayer-funded public relations campaign to sell national standards.

Albany High equalises software access.

The Govt will spend $200,000 on a nationwide letter and brochure drop to inform people about new educations standards in place from today.

Today marks the beginning of the school year and the start of National Standards, but it should be business as usual for children heading to class.

John Key is trying to shut down concerns about national standards by saying decisions on how the data will be publicly reported are too far away to worry about.

Principals are worried that primary schools in poor areas will be made to look bad when national standards are introduced next week.

Education Minister Anne Tolley has defended herself against claims she has not been coping with the demands of her education portfolios.

Proportion of women entering law increasing as more men turning to trades.