Schools asked to explain

Education Minister Anne Tolley. Photo / Christine Cornege

Education Minister Anne Tolley has asked officials for answers after learning that some high schools are cancelling more than half of their pupils' NCEA enrolments before final exams.

A Herald on Sunday report last weekend detailed allegations that some schools were boosting their results by "credit-cleansing" struggling students. Secondary Principals' Association president Patrick Walsh called for the Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to investigate "to maintain the credibility of NCEA".

A spokesperson for Tolley said the matter was being looked into and the Minister had asked for reports from the Ministry and NZQA. But one source said the Minister should seek an independent investigation from the Education Review Office, which could do in-depth random analysis of schools' behaviour, including how teachers steered some kids in and out of credits.

Most principals spoken to last week blamed the number of course cancellations on a computer software programme that was complicating enrolments.

The Post Primary Teachers' Association said careful monitoring of school entries already ensured that students were not being withdrawn in breach of the rules. Schools with high withdrawal rates were asked to explain themselves to NZQA. They agreed the computer system needed "some refinement" but one industry insider said it appeared schools were undertaking different enrolment practices , which distorted league tables on school success.

rachel.grunwell@hos.co.nz