NZ Rolls Out Clearer Curriculum and Assessments to Boost Student Achievement

Minister Stanford emphasized that the changes are designed to simplify the curriculum, provide clarity for teachers, and ensure students are learning essential skills more effectively.

The New Zealand Government has announced a significant step toward improving student learning outcomes through a series of curriculum updates, new teaching resources, and assessment requirements that will begin rolling out from Term 4 this year. Education Minister Erica Stanford said the reforms reflect the government’s commitment to “lift student achievement” by ensuring consistency in teaching and more effective monitoring of student progress across the country.

Strengthening the Foundations of Learning

Minister Stanford emphasized that the changes are designed to simplify the curriculum, provide clarity for teachers, and ensure students are learning essential skills more effectively. “We’re introducing a clear curriculum, consistent ways of teaching, and more effective ways to monitor student progression and achievement. We want to ensure teachers have the right settings to support more young people to thrive,” she stated.

The refreshed English and Mathematics learning areas for Years 0 to 10 will be made available on 20 October 2025, ahead of their mandatory implementation in Term 1, 2026. The remaining curriculum areas—including Social Sciences, Science, Health and Physical Education, the Arts, Technology, and Learning Languages—will be released from 28 October 2025 and phased in through 2027 and 2028.

Responding to Sector Feedback

According to Ms Stanford, the government has taken into account extensive feedback from schools and educators regarding implementation timelines. “We’ve heard from the sector and we’ve listened – timelines have been updated to provide schools with more time to plan and progress their implementation,” she said. This revised schedule aims to give schools flexibility to adapt while maintaining momentum toward nationwide adoption.

Enhancing Teaching Support and Learning Resources

In addition to curriculum changes, the government will roll out professional learning and development (PLD) programs to help teachers deliver the new material effectively. “We’re listening to principals’ and teachers’ needs and supporting teachers with the tools and training they need to deliver brilliant teaching of the basics,” Ms Stanford added.

High-quality mathematics resources, which have already been developed for Years 0–8, will be extended to Years 9 and 10 in digital format starting next year. These will include comprehensive teaching materials and online resources aligned with the updated curriculum.

New Assessment Tools and Phonics Check Introduced

The government is also strengthening assessment to ensure clear tracking of student progress. Beginning in 2026, all Year 3–8 students will be required to undergo twice-yearly assessments in Reading, Writing, and Maths using standardized tools. These include:

• SMART (Student Monitoring, Assessment, and Reporting Tool): A new digital platform that will enable teachers to track student progress in real time, available from the start of 2026.

• PATs (Progressive Achievement Tests): Longstanding standardized tests that will continue to play a key role in evaluating literacy and numeracy.

• e-asTTle: To be used for 2026 only as the transition to SMART takes place.

Additionally, a Phonics Check—a brief assessment of students’ understanding of letter-sound relationships—will become a mandatory component for English from the beginning of 2026. This initiative aims to ensure early detection of reading difficulties and provide timely support.

“Parents will know how well their children are doing and know that they’re getting extra support if they need it,” Ms Stanford assured.

A Focus on Evidence-Based Reform

The Education Minister reiterated that the government’s education reforms are grounded in evidence and focused on long-term improvement. “Student achievement is at the heart of the education reforms we are introducing, driven by six priority areas that are grounded in evidence and ambitious for our young people. Our work programme will continue to drive that,” she said.

By providing clearer expectations, better resources, and stronger assessment tools, the Ministry of Education aims to equip teachers and students for greater success—ensuring that every child, regardless of background, receives a high-quality education.