"As a 70-strong coalition, we will now begin work on our vision for NCEA and the details of how it should operate. New Zealand's remaining secondary schools are very welcome to join us. It is vital to get this right for the future of the young people of New Zealand," Denham said in a statement.
Hipkins had issued an open invitation to principals to meet him last month after the coalition took out a full-page advertisement in newspapers which criticised the NCEA review.
The group called for the review to be halted, describing the consultation process as "bizarre", putting the views of children ahead of professional educators and lacking proper consultation with school leaders and teachers.
Hipkins previously said he believed the process would be sufficient and would not be extending the consultation period.
Today he said the changes were a "sensible step that acknowledges the issues raised by the coalition.
"We've already had about 1000 submissions from teachers and principals but I'm happy to improve the clarity of the process and give principals more opportunities to be heard alongside teachers, parents, students, employers and others."
Hipkins said he would take the changes to Cabinet in about two weeks' time.
"I very much hope that we can now get on with this important task."