Learn about NCEA levels (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Scholarship), understand New Zealand's education system, and discover how tutoring can help your child succeed in NCEA assessments.
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Learn about New Zealand's national qualification system, NCEA levels, and why tutoring can help your child succeed.
NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) is New Zealand's national secondary school qualification. It's a standards-based assessment system used in Years 11, 12, and 13 (ages 15-18). Students earn credits by completing assessments in different subjects throughout the year. NCEA replaced the old School Certificate, Sixth Form Certificate, and University Bursaries system in 2002.
NCEA Level 1 is typically studied in Year 11 (age 15-16). Students need to achieve 80 credits to pass Level 1, including 10 credits in Literacy and 10 credits in Numeracy. This is the foundation level that prepares students for more advanced study. Level 1 focuses on building essential skills and knowledge across various subjects.
NCEA Level 2 is studied in Year 12 (age 16-17) and requires 60 credits at Level 2 or higher, plus 20 credits from any level. Level 2 is considered the minimum qualification for many job opportunities and further study. Students start specialising in subjects that align with their career interests. Achieving Level 2 is essential for university entrance eligibility.
NCEA Level 3 is studied in Year 13 (age 17-18) and requires 60 credits at Level 3 or higher, plus 20 credits from Level 2 or higher. This is the university entrance level. Students need Level 3 plus specific subject requirements (University Entrance) to attend university. Level 3 demonstrates advanced knowledge and readiness for tertiary education or professional careers.
NCEA Scholarship is an optional, advanced qualification for high-achieving Year 13 students. It recognizes outstanding performance in specific subjects and can lead to monetary awards for university study. Scholarship exams are more challenging than standard Level 3 assessments and demonstrate exceptional academic ability. Students can attempt Scholarship in multiple subjects.
NCEA tutoring helps students master complex assessment standards, stay on track with internal assessments (worth 40-60% of final grades), and prepare effectively for external exams. A tutor provides personalized support, identifies knowledge gaps, teaches exam techniques, and builds confidence. Many students benefit from one-on-one attention that complements classroom learning, especially in challenging subjects or when aiming for Excellence grades.
Ideally, students should start tutoring early in the school year or as soon as they identify a challenging subject. Getting help before falling behind is more effective than catch-up tutoring. Many families start in Term 1 to build strong foundations, while others seek support before major assessments or exams. Year 11 (Level 1) is a common starting point as students adjust to the NCEA system.
Find answers to common questions about fees, matching, and support.
NCEATutor is 100% FREE for parents & students. There are no fees to browse tutors, no introduction fees, and no commission on lessons. Tutors pay subscription fees (Silver $19/month, Gold $39/month, Platinum $69/month) to be listed on the platform, which covers all our operational costs including vetting, support, and platform maintenance.
If your tutor doesn't respond within 48 hours of our introduction email, reply to that email and we'll help you find an alternative tutor. We're committed to ensuring you get connected successfully.
After Beta, we'll continue to improve the platform based on your feedback. We're exploring options for enhanced features like priority matching, dedicated support, and progress tracking. Beta members will always receive special recognition and benefits for being early supporters.
Every tutor goes through our verification process before appearing on the platform. This includes: (1) Email verification with a 6-digit code, (2) Manual review of their qualifications, NCEA subject expertise, and teaching experience, and (3) Profile quality check for clarity and professionalism. Most applications are reviewed within 2-3 business days. We currently review qualifications and experience manually, but we do not run police vetting ourselves. Many tutors are already police-vetted through their school or employer – where this is the case, they can mention it on their profile. We recommend meeting tutors in public places or using online platforms like Zoom, especially for initial sessions.
We currently review qualifications and experience manually, but we do not run police vetting ourselves. Many tutors are already police-vetted through their school or employer – where this is the case, they can mention it on their profile. For your family's safety, we recommend: (1) Meeting in public places for in-person sessions, (2) Using online platforms like Zoom for remote tutoring, (3) Having a parent or guardian present, especially for younger students, and (4) Communicating openly with tutors about your expectations. Your family's safety is your priority, and we encourage you to take the precautions you feel are necessary.
Yes! You can browse our tutor profiles and request an introduction to any specific tutor that matches your needs. Simply visit their profile and click 'Request an Introduction'.
If you're not satisfied with your first tutoring session, contact us within 48 hours. We'll work with you to find a better match. See our Terms & Conditions for full details on our Satisfaction Focused policy.
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