Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) students have achieved excellent NCEA results, exceeding national pass rates and performing strongly against schools in the same equity band in 2025, principal Nicola Jacobsen says.

NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) is the national qualification framework for secondary school students in years 11-13, and provisional 2024 results have now been released.

“I am incredibly proud of our students for their effort, commitment and resilience, and very grateful to our staff whose skill and dedication provide our students with exceptional support,” Nicola said.

Eighty-four percent of MAC’s level one students passed, compared to 72 percent nationally and 82 percent in the same equity band (categorised by socio-economic barriers). 

Thirty-eight percent of those students achieved merit or excellence endorsements (nationally 37 percent, same equity band 51 percent).

At level two, 89 percent of MAC students passed. 

Nationally this figure was 73 percent, and in the same equity band it was 86 percent. Forty-eight percent of those students achieved endorsements (nationally 41 percent, same equity band 51 percent).

At the third level, 85 percent of MAC students passed, compared to 70 percent nationally and 84 percent in the same equity band. Fifty-three percent of level three students achieved endorsements (nationally 41 percent, same equity band 50 percent).

The provisional MAC results for 2024, compared to national averages and other schools in the same equity band. IMAGE: MAC

Nicola said the school’s strong numeracy and literacy results at NCEA level one, which 92 percent of MAC students passed in 2025, demonstrated that students were building a solid foundation in reading, writing and maths.

“To gain an NCEA qualification at levels one, two or three, students must meet the literacy and numeracy requirements. 

“Our results show that students are well prepared for the increasingly demanding learning they will encounter in their senior years.”

She said the school continued to place a strong emphasis on improving endorsement outcomes, particularly at NCEA levels two and three.

“These endorsements reflect students’ sustained high achievement through the attainment of excellence-level credits so it’s encouraging to see continued success in this area.”

The 2025 MAC pass rates were a little lower than 2024, when 88 percent passed level one, 90 percent passed level two and 89 percent passed level three.

Nicola said student wellbeing remains a priority due to its important role in the engagement, learning and social and emotional development of students.

“We want every student to be supported to achieve their personal best and to be well prepared for their future tertiary and vocational pathways.”

The final, non-provisional results will be made public at the end of February.