The government announced reviews to the NCEA system in mid-2025.

FASD-CAN delivered a comprehensive submission to the Ministry of Education outlining our stance that the current plan risks removing elements (such as flexibility and multiple assessment attempts) which allow our neurodivergent and trauma-impacted ākonga/students to succeed.

Our submission opposes the new Foundational Award and the four-subject requirement, which we believe will force disabled learners out of education earlier and limit their futures. We have urged the Ministry to instead strengthen the current system's inclusion features to ensure every student can gain a meaningful qualification.

We’re sharing our submission here so that if you’re talking with your school, other parents or your rangatahi, you might find points to help others understand the importance of a flexible qualification system that helps our young people achieve. 

Click here to read our submission in original format.