Fewer students reaching university

Students prepare for the start of an NCEA English exam.

Fewer Tauranga students achieved University Entrance last year after entry requirements were tightened.

But Tauranga's colleges have all achieved higher than the national average University Entrance (UE) pass rate.

New changes that were brought in last year mean school leavers wishing to enter university must have NCEA Level 3 and gain 14 credits in three approved subjects.

These changes have seen the percentage of students achieving UE across the country in 2014 reduce to 58.3 per cent, from 70.6per cent in 2013.

An 18-year-old Tauranga woman, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals from education institutes, said she missed out on UE last year by seven credits.

She had performed well academically throughout the year and was shocked to learn she had not passed.

After a lot of discussions with her former college and university support staff, the woman was eventually allowed to re-sit two NCEA papers, which she passed, getting her into university.

Missing out by such a small amount had caused her a lot of stress and she thought all her career plans were down the drain, but the young woman was pleased to say she was now attending the university of her choice.

Tauranga principals have reported a fall in UE rates, but all report being above the national average pass rate.

Mount Maunganui College principal Russell Gordon said the college's UE rates fell between 5.5 per cent and 6 per cent.

To be considered for a re-sit or reassessment at the college, Mr Gordon said a student had to display good work ethic throughout the year.

Bethlehem College principal Eoin Crosbie said his school did not allow students to resit papers during the holidays, unless there were exceptional circumstances, as the students were given opportunities throughout the year to achieve.

Tauranga Boys' College principal Robert Mangan said he was pleased with how his boys did against the national figures. Boy achievement rates were 45 per cent nationally and the college hit 51.7 per cent.

Mr Mangan said UE was about gaining entrance to university, which not all of his students wanted to do. About 40per cent of his students chose university.

Otumoetai College principal Dave Randell said the new requirements had raised the bar and he did not have a problem with that.

More students were choosing to attend polytechnic after completing Level 2, rather than staying at school an extra year and going to university, he said.

Aquinas College principal Ray Scott said if a student was close to passing, that student may be allowed to re-sit a paper in certain circumstances.

Tauranga Girls' College principal Pauline Cowens said 83.4per cent of her school leavers achieved Level 3, higher than the national average of 78.3per cent.

Papamoa College did not have Year 13 students last year.

University of Waikato deputy vice chancellor Alister Jones said most years, 75 per cent of university applicants would achieve UE and be able to enrol as a student.

This year, that rate had fallen to 66 per cent, affecting between 150 to 300 students.

Those who just missed the mark but had performed well throughout the year were taken through other options such as bridging courses.

Education Minister Hekia Parata said NZQA had consulted widely before deciding to implement the changes that had been requested by universities.

"The changes do not mean school standards have fallen. Any time a standard is raised, numbers qualifying will drop."