# National would make completing Year 11 compulsory if back in power

> National plans to require Year 11 completion for all students if re-elected.
- Title: National would make completing Year 11 compulsory if back in…
- Summary: National plans to require Year 11 completion for all students if re-elected. National would mandate Year 11 completion for students to improve literacy and…
- Keywords: national, year 11, compulsory education, foundational award, ncea, new zealand certificate of education, politics, news, make, completing, Year, compulsory
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1835765/national-would-make-completing-year-11-compulsory-if-back-in-power
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-10T22:10:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: national, year 11, compulsory education, foundational award, ncea, new zealand certificate of education, politics, news
## National's education policy
National would require students to complete Year 11 to improve literacy and numeracy skills before leaving school.

> Students should complete at least a full Year 11 of compulsory science, English and maths, and have the opportunity to gain the new Foundational Award in literacy and numeracy.
## Year 11 completion policy
Students would still be able to apply for a leaving exemption if they have a job or are moving into other training.
## Education timeline
National would introduce a Foundational Award in 2028, followed by the New Zealand Certificate of Education at Year 12 in 2029 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education at Year 13 in 2030.
## Key takeaway

National would mandate Year 11 completion for students to improve literacy and numeracy skills before leaving school.