Year 11 · From 2028
The Foundational Award.
A literacy and numeracy benchmark for Year 11 students — the new front end of senior school.
Level 1 is being removed.
What it is
The Foundational Award is a separate award that recognises literacy and numeracy at a Year 11 standard. Students sit it when they can demonstrate the required reading, writing, and maths skills — typically in Year 11.
It’s designed as a stepping stoneinto NZCE. You don’t bank credits toward the final qualification at Year 11 anymore — instead, Year 11 is freed up to focus on deeper, curriculum-led learning.
Compulsory Year 11 subjects (from 2028)
- English (or Te Reo Rangatira)
- Mathematics (Pāngarau)
- Science (Pūtaiao)
Why Year 11 is changing
NCEA Level 1 has been criticised for years for fragmenting Year 11 into a credit-chase rather than a real foundation. The Government argues that removing it lets schools focus Year 11 on actually mastering reading, writing, maths, and science — the things every student needs regardless of where they go next.