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What Comes After NCEA? CGA Offers Alternative Curriculum in New Zealand with A Levels

04/08/2025•19 minute read

Community, Academic Success, Student Life

What Comes After NCEA? CGA Offers Alternative Curriculum in New Zealand with A Levels

In August 2025, a seismic shift in New Zealand’s education landscape was announced. The government introduced major changes to NCEA, prompting widespread debate about the future of the national curriculum. The proposed NCEA replacement signals a critical moment for Kiwi education - one that demands bold leadership and forward-thinking solutions.

At Crimson Global Academy (CGA), we anticipated these concerns years ago. As one of New Zealand’s newest registered online private high schools, we made a conscious decision not to offer NCEA. Instead, our students pursue globally recognised qualifications - A Levels or the US High School Diploma - designed to unlock international university opportunities and deliver academic excellence.

CGA Founder Jamie Beaton recently shared his thoughts on the national curriculum overhaul in a televised interview with 1News. You can watch the full interview here.

We are seeing a big drop in Level 1 pass rates, very low numeracy performance, and a huge level of inequity across New Zealand schools,” said Beaton. “This NCEA reform is overdue - but unfortunately, the proposal still doesn't go far enough to truly prepare Kiwi kids for a global future.

In this blog, we’ll unpack the key concerns behind the recent NCEA announcement, explore why more families are seeking alternative curricula in New Zealand, and outline why CGA’s globally respected pathways - A Levels and the US Diploma - are helping students thrive in an uncertain educational climate.

Understanding the Push for NCEA Reform: Reports from NZQA, ERO & Employers

On August 3, 2025, the Ministry of Education announced sweeping changes to NCEA following growing concern about the qualification’s effectiveness. These changes come after years of reports from NZQA, ERO, and major employers pointing to inconsistency in grading standards, unclear expectations, and declining literacy and numeracy outcomes.

The proposal aims to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes and address what many see as an urgent crisis in education equity and standards. In recent years, data has revealed a consistent drop in Level 1 pass rates, prompting fears that students are not graduating with the skills needed for tertiary study or the workforce.

The government’s new plan focuses on "structured instruction" in reading, writing, and maths - a major shift from previous inquiry-based models. Public consultation on these reforms is open until September 15, 2025, with phased implementation from 2028 to 2030.

Responses from Schools and Teachers: Support and Concerns

While the government frames the reforms as necessary and overdue, reactions from educators have been mixed. Some welcome the return to structure, seeing it as a way to lift standards across the board. Others worry the changes may reduce flexibility, place strain on already stretched resources, and revert education to a rigid, test-heavy model.

One of the most contentious elements of the current system is de-streaming, a policy that removes ability grouping in classrooms in the name of equity. However, Beaton believes this has led to unintended consequences:

You can’t raise standards by lowering expectations. De-streaming without adequate support has meant high-performing students are often held back, and those who need more help aren’t getting it either.

Rising Concerns About the Qualification’s Value

Beyond classroom performance, there’s growing concern about the global recognition of NCEA. Many parents and students are now questioning how the qualification stacks up internationally.

NCEA is just not well understood outside of New Zealand,” said Beaton. “When you're applying to top universities like Oxford, Stanford, or the Ivy League, you’re at a disadvantage unless you’re presenting qualifications they’re familiar with—like A Levels or the IB.

This uncertainty has led families to explore more competitive options, including A Levels vs NCEA or the IB curriculum vs A Level curriculum. The rising demand for an alternative curriculum in New Zealand is now impossible to ignore.

Alternative Curricula: Why A Levels vs IB vs US Diploma

Founded in 2020, Crimson Global Academy offers a proven solution to the growing concerns around NCEA. As a registered online private school in New Zealand, CGA provides students aged 10–18 with access to the International GCSE and A Level qualifications, as well as the US High School Diploma and AP courses.

Why did CGA choose not to offer NCEA?

We made a very conscious decision five years ago to offer A Levels because we knew they provided the depth, rigour, and global credibility our students needed,” said Beaton. “We’ve since expanded to offer the US Diploma as well, so families can choose what best fits their goals.

How does A Level compare to IB?

While the IB is widely respected for its holistic and interdisciplinary approach, A Levels offer earlier subject specialisation, modular assessments, and more flexibility in subject combinations. For students targeting top universities or pursuing deep expertise in STEM or humanities, A Levels provide a focused academic path.

Structured Instruction Meets Global Innovation

The government's latest curriculum overhaul emphasises "structured instruction" in literacy and numeracy, a shift away from the looser, inquiry-based learning models that have dominated NZ classrooms in recent decades.

At CGA, structured instruction has always been core to our philosophy - but we take it further. Our approach blends the best of traditional pedagogy with cutting-edge digital tools and global learning design.

All of our classes are live, teacher-led, and aligned to globally respected standards,” said Beaton. “We're focused on outcomes: can the student reason? Can they communicate clearly? Can they handle the quantitative rigour expected in a top university STEM course?

Our students don’t just meet standards - they exceed them. Many have gained early admission to top universities like Oxford, Harvard, and Princeton, even before completing high school.

Building Skills for the Future: IT, Coding, and Global Literacy

One major gap in the traditional NCEA curriculum has been the lack of future-ready skills like coding, data literacy, and digital communication. At CGA, we’ve designed our courses to meet this challenge head-on:

We’ve introduced online coding classes, IT classes, and advanced STEM subjects to ensure students are ready for the jobs of the future,” said Beaton. “This is not just about academic performance—it’s about employability and innovation.

Unlike some schools where digital skills are treated as optional add-ons, CGA integrates them as core components of the learning experience.

No Barriers to University Admissions - Just More Opportunities

A key concern for parents considering a curriculum shift is whether universities will recognise the qualification. At CGA, our admissions track record speaks for itself.

Our students have gained admission to nearly every top university globally - from the Ivy League and Oxbridge to top institutions across Asia and Europe,” said Beaton. “We’ve seen no barriers when it comes to university admissions. In fact, our curriculum opens doors that NCEA often can’t.

Students are supported by a comprehensive university admissions counselling programme which helps craft standout applications tailored to international systems - a level of support rarely seen in the traditional schooling model.

A New Frontier: Designing the Global Primary Curriculum

As the education system undergoes reform, CGA is already thinking ahead. The next frontier? Primary education.

We’re currently exploring what a world-class global primary school curriculum should look like,” Beaton revealed. “We want to build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and global citizenship from the very beginning.

This reflects CGA’s broader mission: not just to react to local shortcomings, but to lead globally with innovative, future-proof solutions.

Conclusion: While NCEA Faces Uncertainty, CGA Offers Confidence and Clarity

The NCEA announcement has sparked important conversations across New Zealand about what kind of education system we want for our children. At Crimson Global Academy, we believe students deserve a curriculum that challenges them, excites them, and prepares them for a world beyond our borders.

As debates continue over changes to NCEA, CGA remains unwavering in our commitment to world-class education, academic excellence, and student success.

We’re not just rethinking the curriculum,” said Beaton. “We’re reimagining education for a generation that will shape the future.

Want to Study A Levels in New Zealand or Explore the US Diploma?

Join CGA today and discover the power of a globally recognised education. Whether you're based in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or studying remotely from anywhere in New Zealand, CGA gives you access to an elite education without compromise.