Thinking about leaving school without NCEA?

If you're 16 or over, you can leave school without NCEA – but is it a good idea?

Staying at school and getting NCEA can make it easier for you to get qualified.

So whether it's because you don't want to stay at school or you've already got plans, find out about your options.

You're unhappy at school or you're not learning what you want

If you're unhappy at school, there can be ways to fix this. 

You might be able to change class, subjects or even which school you go to. 

It’s a good idea to chat to your family/whānau, someone at your school or a person you trust, before you make a decision.

At school, try talking to your dean, career adviser or guidance counsellor.

You could ask:

• Can I change subjects or classes?
• Can you help me plan my career?
• Can you help me find a better way for me to study?
• Can I get work experience at school ?

If you still decide to leave school, you can use our leaving school exit plan.

• Leaving school exit plan worksheet (PDF - 97KB)

• Youthline – chat to someone about your school life

You've already got plans 

If you already have plans for work, training or study, check our guides on how to apply for and fund study, and how to get the best start for your study or job.

• Act on your career plans

Staying at school can make it easier for you to get into a course and get qualified.

People with more qualifications usually earn more, although this also depends on what subjects you study, and how easy it is to get a job when you qualify.

• Find out how more qualifications can give you more income

If you stay at school you have the chance to:

• gain the NCEA credits you might need for a course or apprenticeship
• get pre-trade training and NCEA Level 2 
• get work experience through programmes such as Gateway, where you can try out jobs to see if you like them

• Start tertiary or workplace training while at school
• Job profiles – check out NCEA requirements for jobs

There are lots of options to stay studying to get NCEA.

If you're unhappy at your school

Find out if you can:

• shift to another class, or even another school
• see if you're eligible to do all your study by distance at Te Kura. 

If your school doesn't offer subjects you want

Find out if you can

• study with 'dual enrolment'  in two schools – attending both in person
• study with dual enrolment – at school and studying by distance at Te Kura 

If you're pregnant

• Talk to your school about options for teen parents.

If you can't attend school regularly

Whatever the reason, if you can't go to school regularly, find out if you're eligible for study at Te Kura.

• Choices if your school has limited subjects
• Te Kura website –find out who can enrol to study NCEA by distance

Remember that you can get NCEA later

Even if you do decide to leave school now, you can upskill and gain NCEA later.

• Upskill after you leave school