Government Sharpens Focus on Student Achievement and Freedom in Education

Education shapes the future of a nation, it builds confident learners, strong communities, and a skilled workforce ready to take on the world. In New Zealand, that vision is being strengthened with new reforms designed to lift achievement, improve attendance and protect the values that make learning meaningful. The Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2), which has now passed its third reading in Parliament, marks an important milestone in this journey. Main focus being raising standards and creating a fair, responsive with a future-focused education system. The legislation makes sure that every student starting from the classroom to the campus, has the opportunity to thrive and shine. Education Minister Erica Stanford says the new law ensures schools stay focused on what matters most, helping young people succeed. “Student achievement is at the heart of the education reforms we are introducing. This legislation is about ensuring our education system is responsive, well-governed and focused on delivering better outcomes for our young people,” Ms Stanford said.

Focus is on achievement and attendance

Under the new Act, school boards will now have a primary objective to raise educational achievement, supported by specific goals around student attendance and assessment.

Schools will also start having attendance management plans by 25 January 2026, to make sure every student is encouraged to stay engaged in learning.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour confirmed that attendance plans will follow the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) framework.

“STAR means Stepped Attendance Response Scheme. It’s an escalating system designed to get kids back into school, with increasing levels of support and intervention when attendance drops to 90%, 80%, or 70%,” he explained.

“Each school will develop its own STAR system that suits its community, based on a standard framework. Every student, parent, teacher and school has a role to play.”

This approach recognises that attendance is not just a statistic, it is a reflection of wellbeing, connection and opportunity.

Empowering educators and families

The Bill also strengthens the education workforce through reforms to initial teacher education and updates to the Teaching Council’s disciplinary and competence processes.

Unions will now be required to provide seven days’ notice before any strike action, up from three days, a change designed to help schools and families better prepare and minimise disruption for students. These measures work together to create a fairer, more stable system that supports both educators and learners alike.

Protecting freedom of expression in universities

Another key feature of the legislation focuses on ensuring freedom of expression in universities.

Dr Shane Reti says the changes will help ensure universities remain spaces for open thought and respectful dialogue.

“Universities should be a place where diverse perspectives are welcomed, debate is encouraged and students are empowered to think critically,” Dr Reti said.

“These new requirements set up important processes to ensure our universities remain vibrant spaces for learning, discovery and democratic engagement.”

Under the new law, universities must:

• Develop a freedom of expression statement

• Maintain a complaints process

• Report annually on academic freedom and free speech

A future-focused system

With these reforms, the Government is making it clear that student achievements, attendance and most importantly academic freedom, are central to New Zealand’s education future.

The Act lays the foundation for a system that is evident, ambitious and inclusive that puts students first and prepares them for a rapidly changing world.